Yourbestsailvideo
Seasickness
September 29, 2024 · 15 min · 9K views
What this video covers
Seasickness originates from conflicting signals between the vestibular system and vision, which the brain interprets as neurotoxin poisoning — triggering vomiting as an evolutionary survival response.1:12 Sailing close-hauled (beating to windward) produces more seasickness than other points of sail, likely because the boat's heel creates an unfamiliar visual reference.8:02 Prevention measures covered include Biodramina (recommended with caffeine during sailing, without caffeine the night before departure), avoiding dairy, coffee, alcohol, fatty foods, and sweets, eating light dry salty food, staying hydrated with water or juice, sleeping well beforehand, and fixing eyes on the horizon rather than a phone or book.7:12 Psychological stress and fatigue increase susceptibility.9:40 For a severely seasick crew member, the only effective remedy is going below, lying horizontal in a bunk, and closing eyes — this eliminates the conflicting visual input.11:46 Lying down on deck or in the cockpit is explicitly prohibited: a debilitated, seasick person risks falling overboard, and many man-overboard incidents involve seasick crew vomiting over the side.12:43 The presenter, with over 20 years and 70,000 miles of sailing experience, recommends keeping a vomit bag in every cabin.13:48 Seasickness indicates a healthy nervous system, not weakness, and skippers should recognize it in quiet, withdrawn crew who often deny the symptom.4:35
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