Seasickness!!
- Episode 018 Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast
- Released: May 5, 2022
- Duration: 28 min 52 sec
“Seasickness can ruin a day—but planning ahead can make a huge difference.“ ~ Sailing According to Coach Penny
If you know you are prone to seasickness, make your prevention plan before departure. Once you are already sick, every solution becomes harder to manage.
What You’ll Learn
- What seasickness is and why it can affect the whole boat
- Practical preparation and management strategies for susceptible crew
- Why a seasick crew member changes the skipper’s plan and available resources
Seasickness is incredibly common, and it does not care how enthusiastic or experienced you are. Some people are affected easily, some only in particular conditions, and others can go years before suddenly having a miserable day. Because it can affect judgement, energy and crew participation, I think it deserves to be part of trip planning.
Preparation begins before leaving the dock. Arrive rested, hydrated and fed, and avoid setting yourself up for a difficult day with too much alcohol or a heavy meal the night before. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, speak with a pharmacist or medical professional about appropriate options before the trip so you are not experimenting once symptoms have already started.
Once underway, fresh air and a view of the horizon often help. Staying on deck, taking the helm and giving your brain a visual reference can be much better than going below into a warm cabin. Keep hydrated, eat small simple snacks if you can, and try to avoid strong smells or tasks that require staring down at a chart or screen for long periods.
As skipper, take seasickness seriously. A sick crew member may become cold, dehydrated and exhausted, and they may no longer be able to perform the role you expected. Reassign tasks, keep an eye on them and consider whether the route or plan should change. On a small boat, one person becoming incapacitated can significantly change your crew resources.
Do not let fear of seasickness keep you from sailing. Learn your triggers, prepare for them and build experience gradually. Many sailors find strategies that make an enormous difference, and knowing what to do gives you much more confidence when the water gets sporty!
Cheers!
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love these too!
- Episode 007: Day Trip Planning: Things to Consider
- Episode 010: Foul Weather Gear Selection: My Top Tips!
- Episode 012: Crew Dynamics: Who Do You Recruit?
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About Penny Caldwell
Penny Caldwell is a Canadian sailing educator, Sail Canada Instructor Evaluator, marine consultant, and host of the Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast. With nearly three decades of teaching experience—and nine seasons spent building and running the successful sailing school Sail Nelson—she has dedicated much of her career to helping people become safer, more capable, and more confident sailors.
She is passionate about helping sailors of all skill levels build confidence, develop practical seamanship skills, and enjoy a lifetime on the water. Through her articles, podcast, instructor development programs, consulting, and sailing adventures, Penny shares practical, real-world knowledge that makes sailing safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.
Continue the Conversation
Sailing is a lifelong learning journey, and some of the best ideas come from fellow sailors. Have a question about this topic, or a tip you’d like to share? Leave a comment below—I read every one and enjoy hearing about your experiences on the water!
