On the eve of a sea voyage
Let's start with planning the trip and forming the team. To minimize any inconvenience during the yacht journey, it is worth paying attention to a number of rules and advice. This will be helped by the checklist of an experienced yachtsman and several recommendations below.
- Choose the most optimal region for a yacht trip. In Greece, sea voyages can be organized in completely unexpected areas, whether on the mainland or on the islands. Don't forget that a short trip in a closed bay with no wind can save you in case you really want to relax on a yacht but are afraid of seasickness in your life. For example, if you are vacationing in Halkidiki, the bay between Kassandra and Sithonia is perfect for a trip, as well as the islands in the Vourvourou region, where it is almost always calm (Port Ormos Panagias).
Ormos Panagias Bay - On smaller yachts, the rocking is usually felt a bit more than on larger ones. You can choose a vessel designed for a larger number of people.
- Take sunscreen and comfortable swimwear with you. Even if a slight feeling of discomfort catches you off guard in the middle of the journey, the cool sea water and a few minutes of swimming will help you feel better and relax.
- Remember that today there is a huge number of medications in the world that allow you to regulate your condition while traveling. Sometimes, taking a small pill half an hour before going out to sea will help you maintain a great mood and well-being for the next few hours. Of course, all medicines have different components, so always consult a doctor if your body sometimes reacts unusually to such drugs or if you have an individual intolerance to certain active substances.
Which yachts should be preferred to reduce the risk of seasickness?
To understand which type of yacht to prefer, it is worth understanding all the pros and cons of each type. In general, all yachts can be divided into 2 large categories: motor yachts and sailing yachts.
-
Motor
When it comes to motor yachts, there are many advantages, the first of which is speed of movement and modern equipment in the form of anchor stabilizers. They help the yacht to be more stable in calm conditions in open water. In simpler terms, when the vessel is stationary, you can easily move around the deck, make cocktails, and not worry about spilling anything due to strong rocking. Most motor boats have a flat bottom, so stabilizers do not help during movement. And on waves, a yacht will be significantly more agile than, for example, a sailboat.
-
Sailing
Sailing yachts are less speedy and more resistant to storms and light sea waves during movement. Most likely, you will feel more comfortable under sail than on a motorboat, but only when the yacht is in motion. The anchoring system on this type of yacht is not as stable, so the rocking will be felt slightly stronger when the boat is stationary.
There are also catamarans, as a type of sailing yacht. They are quite stable and maneuverable on the water. However, they have the same disadvantage as other sailing yachts in terms of stabilization.
Seasickness is a phenomenon that can catch you off guard on any type of yacht. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages in this regard, so plan your route and stops in advance to accurately determine which type of yacht to prefer.
What to do if you feel motion sick?
A few small tips for those who have already felt during the journey that seasickness is getting too close:
- Try to focus on the horizon. If you are sunbathing on deck, stand up, walk to the center of the deck, and look into the distance at the horizon line, making sure to be around the captain's cabin. That will provide the best view. Also, it is considered that being on the stern or bow of the yacht is not advisable if you are prone to seasickness.
- You can go down to the cabin, turn on a fan or air conditioner, and play some quiet music. This will help you relax and get rid of unpleasant sensations.
- Water with citrus fruits is also an excellent remedy for seasickness on board.
- It is worth trying the method of mimicking the boat's movements. For example, turning your head and leaning to the sides synchronously with the yacht's tilts.
- Avoid consuming products and drinks with high histamine content (cheese, fish, some vegetables, red wine, and sweet beverages).
- Take a motion sickness tablet. Sometimes, this is the most effective way to protect yourself from discomfort during a yacht journey.
Don't forget that seasickness is a temporary phenomenon that affects everyone to some extent. And of course, this is not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of a sea walk. You just need to prepare well for the trip, and your vacation will definitely be positive, bright, and interesting.
