How to avoid seasickness on a sailing boat

Seasickness worries far more people than it actually affects. On most summer days the Bay of Palma is calm, and the majority of guests never feel a thing. Still, if you know you are sensitive, a little preparation makes a big difference.

This is general advice from our crew, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Why it happens

Seasickness is a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your balance system feels. Below deck, or while looking at a phone, your eyes tell your brain that everything is still, while your inner ear feels the boat moving. That conflict is what makes you feel queasy. Almost every tip below is about bringing those two signals back into line.

Before you go

• Sleep well and skip the big night out. Tiredness and a hangover are two of the most common triggers.
• Eat a light breakfast. An empty stomach often makes things worse, and so does a heavy, greasy meal. Bread, crackers, fruit or yoghurt are good choices.
• If you use remedies, take them early. Tablets and patches work best when taken before departure, following the packet or a pharmacist's advice. Some cause drowsiness, so test them on a day when it does not matter.
• Ginger helps some people. Ginger sweets or biscuits are easy to bring.
• Pick a morning trip if you can. In summer the wind in the Bay of Palma usually builds during the afternoon, so mornings tend to be calmer.

On board

1. Stay on deck in the fresh air. Avoid the cabin, especially for long periods.
2. Look at the horizon or at a fixed point on land. This is the single most effective thing you can do.
3. Sit low and near the middle of the boat, where the motion is gentlest. The bow moves most.
4. Put the phone away. Reading or scrolling is the fastest way to trigger the eye and ear mismatch.
5. Take the helm. Steering keeps your eyes on the horizon and your brain busy, and many skippers are happy to let guests try.
6. Drink water in small sips and nibble something plain.
7. Tell the crew early. They have seen it many times, will not mind, and can often find you a better spot or adjust the course.

Why sailing can feel calmer than you expect

Many first-time guests assume a sailing yacht will be the worst choice. Often the opposite is true. With the sails up, the wind presses the boat into a steady heel, and that constant pressure damps the side-to-side rolling. A boat sailing at a steady angle can feel more stable than one rocking at anchor or bouncing through waves under engine.

At anchor

Once the boat is anchored in a bay, a swim is one of the best cures. The cool water and the change of position help most people feel better quickly. If you would rather not swim, sitting on the swim platform with your feet in the water also helps.

When to choose another day

If strong wind or a swell is forecast, a good skipper will tell you, and may suggest a more sheltered route or a different date. That is not bad service, it is good seamanship.