Do you get seasick on a sailing yacht: everything you need to know before going to sea

Publication date: 18.09.2025

Seasickness is one of the most discussed topics among those planning their first sailing trip. Every beginner is concerned with the question: "Do you get seasick on a sailing yacht?" The fear of this unpleasant sensation can become a serious obstacle on the path to fulfilling the dream of maritime adventures.

Motion sickness (seasickness) occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the sensory organs responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This usually happens during transportation: in an airplane, on a ship, in a car, or even on amusement park rides.

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for perceiving movement and balance. It senses how the body is moving, tilting, and turning. The eyes see a stationary car interior or cabin and send a signal to the brain about being at rest.

The brain receives two different signals: one from the inner ear, indicating movement, and another from the eyes, indicating stillness. This discrepancy confuses the brain, and it mistakenly interprets it as poisoning, attempting to get rid of the "toxin" by inducing nausea and vomiting.

The manifestations of this sensory conflict can range from mild to very unpleasant and include:

Such symptoms can seriously spoil the trip. But there are simple and effective ways to help cope with this condition.

Sensitivity to motion sickness is an individual characteristic that depends on many factors, including genetic predisposition, the structure of the inner ear, and psychosomatic factors.

Genetics play an important role in determining a person's susceptibility to motion sickness. Research shows that a predisposition to seasickness can be inherited. If parents or close relatives experienced problems with motion sickness, there is a high probability that the individual will also have increased sensitivity.

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for the sense of balance and spatial orientation. Its structure can vary among individuals. Some people have more sensitive hair cells that react more quickly to the slightest changes in movement. These features mean that even mild motion can trigger significant sensory conflict, leading to symptoms of motion sickness.

Psychological state also influences susceptibility to motion sickness. Anxiety, fear, and the expectation of feeling unwell can intensify physical symptoms. This phenomenon is known as psychosomatics. When a person is nervous, their autonomic nervous system becomes activated, leading to nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms, even if the motion is not very strong. Conversely, if a traveler is calm and distracted, their brain is less likely to create a sensory conflict, and they will tolerate movement more easily.

The manifestation of motion sickness is influenced by numerous factors. These can be related to both external conditions and individual characteristics of a person. Understanding this helps better prepare for a sea voyage and minimize the risk of unpleasant symptoms.

The most important factor is the **sea state**. The degree of rocking depends on the height and frequency of the waves.
- When the sea is calm, with a smooth surface and almost no waves, the risk of motion sickness is minimal. Under such conditions, even people with a highly sensitive vestibular system rarely experience discomfort.
- Slight waves can cause mild motion sickness in particularly susceptible individuals. This often manifests as slight nausea or dizziness. However, the symptoms usually subside quickly once the person adapts.

When a sailing yacht moves through long, gentle waves, its motion is smooth and predictable. It rises and falls softly, allowing the vestibular system to adapt more easily. The sensory conflict between what the body feels and what the eyes see is minimized.

Short, sharp waves cause frequent, unpredictable, and chaotic movements. The vessel constantly tilts, pitches, and turns abruptly. These movements confuse the vestibular system, and the brain struggles to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions. As a result, the sensory conflict intensifies, leading to stronger and faster onset of motion sickness symptoms. This is why even with low wave height but short wavelengths, the risk of motion sickness increases significantly.

During stormy conditions, with high waves and strong, unpredictable rocking, the risk of motion sickness multiplies. In such situations, even experienced sailors accustomed to life at sea may feel unwell. The vessel's movements become abrupt, exacerbating the sensory conflict between what the eyes see and what the vestibular system feels.

The manifestation of seasickness also depends on individual characteristics. People react differently to rocking:

Furthermore, a vessel's comfort and stability on the water are directly influenced by its type and size. Small sailing yachts are more sensitive to waves, resulting in sharper and more pronounced movements, making them less suitable for individuals prone to seasickness. Larger vessels, especially catamarans with two hulls, are more stable and provide a smoother ride. This significantly reduces rocking and lowers the risk of seasickness.

Behavior and trip preparation also affect the risk of motion sickness. The interior spaces of a sailing yacht amplify the sensation of rocking, as the horizon is not visible. Staying outdoors in the cockpit or on deck, where one can focus their gaze on the horizon, helps the brain synchronize signals. Activities such as handling sails, steering the yacht, or other engaging tasks distract the brain from the sensory conflict. A person who is occupied with tasks is less focused on their physical state and, as a result, is less likely to feel unwell. Lack of sleep and improper nutrition worsen the condition. Hunger, overeating, or consuming heavy, fatty, or spicy foods before the trip increase the risk of motion sickness.

Seasickness is not a life sentence. It can be managed. There are methods that alleviate or even completely prevent unpleasant symptoms. Successful management of motion sickness begins long before going out to sea.

Proper preparation is half the battle. How a person feels before the start of the voyage directly affects their susceptibility to motion sickness. Therefore, before the trip, it is necessary to:

Proper preparation for going to sea is the best way to prevent seasickness and make your journey as comfortable as possible. By following these simple rules, you can fully enjoy the sea voyage without being distracted by unpleasant sensations.

If preparation didn't help and symptoms appear, you can resort to the following methods:

Choosing the right spot on a sailing yacht can significantly influence motion sickness symptoms. The center of the vessel, particularly closer to the waterline, is the most stable area. It is closest to the center of rotation, so vertical and lateral movements here are minimal. When positioned in the center, a person feels the sharp rises and falls and side-to-side rocking the least. In contrast, the bow and stern of the boat experience the most pronounced motion. The bow sharply rises and falls on waves, while the stern can be subject to strong rolling. Therefore, if prone to seasickness, it is best to remain in the central part of the yacht, where the movements are smoother and more predictable.

If preventive measures haven't worked, you can use special remedies:

It is important to remember that you should consult a doctor before using any medications. A combination of preventive measures and suitable remedies will help make your sea voyage as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.