Nothing will impact your happiness aboard the yacht as much as a case of mal de mer or seasickness. Not only your happiness, should you be the one suffering, but the happiness of those around you. If you know or suspect that you or one of your crew is susceptible, then it is essential you take adequate preventative action.
There are a number of medications available for seasickness but they each have their complications. Many of these remedies will induce drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, and other symptoms. The most important part of taking these meds is to take them early. Most are for prevention of sea-sickness, not its cure. If you feel symptoms, it is often too late to do anything.
The most effective drug seems to be the Scopolamine trans-dermal patch. Talk to your doctor first—there may be side effects that won’t help your situation. For most people though, this is amazingly effective and has minimal side effects. Every other remedy pales in comparison.
The other common medication is Stugeron—which is frowned upon by the US Food and Drug Administration but widely accepted in Europe, the UK, and elsewhere. You may be able to buy it over the counter in some island jurisdictions
.
For those with occasionally mild reactions, ginger can work wonders. Crystallized ginger is good or ginger in various candy or chewable forms. Straight ginger root is good, too—grate some fresh ginger into soda water or add the ginger to a cup of tea. Some of the fizzy soft drinks like ginger beer can be a good stomach settler—but make sure your choice contains actual ginger and not just a ginger flavoring.
Duty requires we point out that seasickness is associated with hangovers and alcohol—it might be best to refrain from excessive indulgence! One side effect of drinking alcohol, of course, is dehydration. Stay hydrated. If a member of the crew does come down with the Queazies, get them into the water when you’re anchored or moored.
A lot of the problem lies in the confusion induced by the rapid movements in all three dimensions as the yacht is rocked by swell and wind. If you are able to stop in a cove and get the crew swimming, the mood generally improves immensely. If all else fails, ease the ailing mariner into the shade of a palm tree and let them regain their equilibrium—minus the Painkiller.
