Do people get seasick on a Croatia sail?
- November 9, 2023
- , 1:20 pm
- , Life On Board
As many of our passengers may be new to cruising on motor-yachts, we often receive questions about the possibility of experiencing seasickness. We’d like to reassure you that while it is, of course, possible to feel seasick during your trip, it is quite rare when on a Go Croatia Sail cruise. This is due to these 3 main factors:
1. The nature of the Adriatic! Whilst sailing in Croatia you will be cruising on the delectable Adriatic Sea. This huge body of water separates the Italian peninsula from the Balkan peninsula. The Adriatic seabed is so flat, and the sea so shallow that people say it’s like sailing through a smooth sheet of glass. The waves on the Adriatic are usually between 0.5 and 1.5 metres in height. It is rare that the waves reach a height over 1.5 metres, meaning a much gentler ride!
2. The route. Obviously, the sea is much rougher the further out you venture. For example, the waves are much higher in the exposed open sea beyond islands such as Vis and Lastovo. However, our Go Croatia Sail routes mostly keep close to the sheltered areas along the coast and next to the main islands. This means less exposure to winds and waves and a much higher chance of staying in the calm waters.
The only exception to this would be the short sections of crossings between islands such as from Hvar to Korcula and Korcula to Mljet. These are the areas where you are most likely to experience rougher seas for an hour or two.
3. Our boats. If you are literally sailing with sails on a small 15-meter, 6-person sailing yacht then you are much more likely to feel every wave and be more vulnerable to bad weather. The Go Croatia Sail boats are from around 30 metres for a Classic Plus boat to over 40 metres for Premier and Superior boats. These larger vessels are not as affected by bad weather and are much more stable in the water compared to sailing yachts, meaning a smooth cruise for you and your mates! See this article for more comparisons between a Yacht Week trip and Go Croatia Sail: https://gocroatiasail.com/2022/12/09/what-is-the-difference-between-go-croatia-sail-and-yacht-week/
How to prevent seasickness?
If you are prone to sea sickness, then the best cabin to book would be a below deck cabin in the centre of the boat. In these cabins you will feel less movement from the swaying of the boat. However, if you want more access to fresh air then an above-deck cabin in the centre of the boat is also a good option.
The best sea sickness tablets to take are called Dramamine. You can get these at any pharmacy in Croatia or order them before you. You should take the first tablet ½ – 1 hour before you start sailing to help prevent the feeling of nausea. You can take a tablet every 4-6 hours but must not exceed 8 tablets a day.
Some passengers don’t think they will get sea sickness or don’t think they will be prone to it. However, if the weather turns bad and you start to feel unwell here are the best things to do:
Look at the horizon.
Utilizing a point of reference like this helps eliminate sensory mismatch, allowing your brain to interpret the motion. It enables you to feel the sway of the ship and your body’s synchronized movements. If you’re not sleeping, we would advise not spending too much time in your cabin. Instead, venture out onto the deck for a breath of fresh air. The calming sensation of being out at sea can distract you from any feelings of seasickness.
Avoid reading.
Refrain from using electronic devices or reading, as it can disrupt the balance of your middle ear and exacerbate your discomfort. Instead, divert your attention from the sickness by listening to music while gazing at the horizon. Watching a film is also an option, but we recommend avoiding subtitles to prevent reading-related issues. Alternatively, you can practice deep breathing techniques – this is particularly effective for many people.
Maintain your fluid intake and eat the right foods.
If you start to feel nauseous, try sipping on some ginger or lemon tea. Ginger has been recognized for its ability to alleviate nausea. Eat meals that are neither overly spicy nor heavy on your stomach. We have chefs on board who prepare fresh dishes daily, ensuring that your meals won’t exacerbate any seasickness symptoms. It’s important to stay well-hydrated. Dehydration can trigger seasickness symptoms and lead to disorientation and headaches. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s best to steer clear of alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you quicker. Here you can see the kind of meals you will receive on board – https://gocroatiasail.com/2021/02/17/go-croatia-sail-magazine-what-kind-of-food-is-served-onboard-my-boat/
