Crew health
How to Avoid Seasickness Sailing — Practical Tips That Work
Published · Last checked October 2026
To avoid seasickness when sailing, take an antihistamine tablet such as cinnarizine or hyoscine (or a patch) several hours before you sail, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol the night before, and eat plain food. Once under way, stay on deck in fresh air, watch the horizon, keep warm and dry, and steer if you can. Avoid reading or working below. Most people adapt within two or three days at sea.
Why sailing makes you sick
Seasickness happens when your inner ear senses motion that your eyes do not see, typically when you are below decks looking at a fixed cabin. The brain treats the mismatch as a sign of poisoning and triggers nausea. Almost everyone can be seasick in the right conditions; experienced sailors simply know their limits and prepare.
Before you sail
- Take medication early. Tablets work best taken a few hours before departure, and many need a dose the night before. Once you are vomiting, tablets may not stay down.
- Sleep well and avoid alcohol and rich, greasy food the night before.
- Dress warmly. Being cold makes seasickness worse. See what to wear sailing.
- Prepare below before you leave: kit stowed, snacks and water to hand, chartwork done in harbour.
| Remedy | How it is used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnarizine (e.g. Stugeron) | Tablet, taken before sailing | Widely used by UK sailors; can cause drowsiness |
| Hyoscine (tablets or patch) | Tablet or skin patch behind the ear | Effective; dry mouth and drowsiness are common |
| Promethazine | Tablet | Strongly sedating; unsuitable for watchkeepers |
| Ginger, wristbands | Biscuits, tea, acupressure bands | Evidence is mixed but some people find them helpful |
Once under way
- Stay on deck in the fresh air, near the middle of the boat where motion is least.
- Look at the horizon or a fixed point on land.
- Take the helm. Steering gives your brain a reason for the motion.
- Eat little and often: dry crackers, ginger biscuits, plain bread. Sip water.
- Keep trips below short. Lie down with your eyes closed if you must go below.
When someone is badly seasick
Prolonged vomiting causes dehydration and exhaustion, which can become a medical problem on a long passage. Keep the casualty warm, give small sips of water or rehydration salts, and relieve them of duties. If they cannot keep fluids down for a day or more, consider seeking advice: the coastguard can link you to a doctor by radio. The first aid lesson covers this.