Took a friend from work sailing saturday. After about 30 minutes of what I concidered perfect sailing conditions (Blowing out of the east at 15-20) I was informed he wasn't feeling any too good. Didn't look to good either unless you like the color green. Will being a good sport I tacked around and headed for the barn. What would you have done? Make him stick it out or take hime back in? By the time we got back it was getting to late to head back out again so......
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Go back
He'd do it for you, one would hope. And there's no worse feeling than seasickness. Just turning around must have improved him. Good for you.
He'd do it for you, one would hope. And there's no worse feeling than seasickness. Just turning around must have improved him. Good for you.
I concur with Bill....
Rick, Sometimes real men, heave too. I just hope you are the kind of guy that would turn back for his wife also. How is your new boat and young crew? r.w.landau
Rick, Sometimes real men, heave too. I just hope you are the kind of guy that would turn back for his wife also. How is your new boat and young crew? r.w.landau
No question about it
I wish I had a nickel for every time I have had to turn back because one of my daysailing guests felt queasy or nervous because of wind or waves; but I don't think there really is any choice. If it ain't fun for the guests, it ain't fun for me.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I have had to turn back because one of my daysailing guests felt queasy or nervous because of wind or waves; but I don't think there really is any choice. If it ain't fun for the guests, it ain't fun for me.
prophylactic measures
learn to look for the early signs of seasickness. for example, the first symptom for most people is that they get the yawns. if you see this happening, it's time to reef. it's amazing how often flattening the boat makes the oogies go away.
learn to look for the early signs of seasickness. for example, the first symptom for most people is that they get the yawns. if you see this happening, it's time to reef. it's amazing how often flattening the boat makes the oogies go away.
Turn Back
I also hand over the helm to a person who is starting to feel poorly. Giving them some control and taking their mind off of everything else helps tremendously.
I also hand over the helm to a person who is starting to feel poorly. Giving them some control and taking their mind off of everything else helps tremendously.
Being seasick is the worst...
I think I've ever felt. I used to kind of laugh about people getting seasick. Until a few years ago, I'd never had it, and I'd spent a lot of time on small boats, small airplanes, etc. But, coming north around Pt. Conception in November, in high gusting winds, heavy seas and a breakfast consisting mostly of leftovers from last nights dinner, it hit me, bad. For seven or eight hours I felt like I wanted to die. Unfortunately, 7 of the 10 crew aboard also fell victim and it was all we could do to keep the boat moving and find enough space along the rail for everyone. I was soooo miserable that when we finally got into harbor I was ready to give up sailing for ever. Once we got ashore, my guts settled down, we got some food and drink into everyone and, after a bit of conjoling, I decided to give it another try. After that, I have nothing but sympathy for those suffering mal-de-mer and if anyone on my boat starts looking the least bit green, I soften up the sails, fire the motor and beeline for the harbor or shore. I see it this way, 1. it's better to lose a few hours of sailing than spend a few hours cleaning up the mess, and 2. I don't want anyone to learn to hate sailing because I pushed them beyond their comfort level. IMHO, the most important responsibility that I take-on as Captain is the safety and comfort of my guests and crew. Turn back!
I think I've ever felt. I used to kind of laugh about people getting seasick. Until a few years ago, I'd never had it, and I'd spent a lot of time on small boats, small airplanes, etc. But, coming north around Pt. Conception in November, in high gusting winds, heavy seas and a breakfast consisting mostly of leftovers from last nights dinner, it hit me, bad. For seven or eight hours I felt like I wanted to die. Unfortunately, 7 of the 10 crew aboard also fell victim and it was all we could do to keep the boat moving and find enough space along the rail for everyone. I was soooo miserable that when we finally got into harbor I was ready to give up sailing for ever. Once we got ashore, my guts settled down, we got some food and drink into everyone and, after a bit of conjoling, I decided to give it another try. After that, I have nothing but sympathy for those suffering mal-de-mer and if anyone on my boat starts looking the least bit green, I soften up the sails, fire the motor and beeline for the harbor or shore. I see it this way, 1. it's better to lose a few hours of sailing than spend a few hours cleaning up the mess, and 2. I don't want anyone to learn to hate sailing because I pushed them beyond their comfort level. IMHO, the most important responsibility that I take-on as Captain is the safety and comfort of my guests and crew. Turn back!
pinch tween the cheek and gum
keep a tin of Wintergreen snuff aboard. first sign of sea sickness a small amount with that salty taste will knock it right out. sounds gross but, beats the hell out being sea sick and puking!
keep a tin of Wintergreen snuff aboard. first sign of sea sickness a small amount with that salty taste will knock it right out. sounds gross but, beats the hell out being sea sick and puking!
Rick, we weren't on my Mac 26!
I don't think I could even fit 10 people on my little Mac! No, we were on a friends 70' topsail schooner, helping them move it to a new harbor 'cause his wife had taken a new teaching position. (she's a college professor) The gunk we were in probably would have sent my Mac to the bottom pretty quick, in fact, during this particular little jaunt, we came across only one other boat, about a 30 footer, and talking to him on the radio, he seemed pretty scared and was asking our Captain if he had any suggestions. (our Captain was a 'lifer' with a 100 ton license) The guy on the smaller boat was heavily reefed and still getting tossed around like a tennis shoe in a dryer. I don't really remember want our Captain told him to do (at this point I was so seasick that I was having trouble staying concious) but I do remember the guy didn't seem to take the advice offered and our Captain said something to the effect of "Okay, whatever you want to do. Best of luck" and we continued on our way. That day taught me an awful lot of respect for the sea and has probably made me a chicken for life.
I don't think I could even fit 10 people on my little Mac! No, we were on a friends 70' topsail schooner, helping them move it to a new harbor 'cause his wife had taken a new teaching position. (she's a college professor) The gunk we were in probably would have sent my Mac to the bottom pretty quick, in fact, during this particular little jaunt, we came across only one other boat, about a 30 footer, and talking to him on the radio, he seemed pretty scared and was asking our Captain if he had any suggestions. (our Captain was a 'lifer' with a 100 ton license) The guy on the smaller boat was heavily reefed and still getting tossed around like a tennis shoe in a dryer. I don't really remember want our Captain told him to do (at this point I was so seasick that I was having trouble staying concious) but I do remember the guy didn't seem to take the advice offered and our Captain said something to the effect of "Okay, whatever you want to do. Best of luck" and we continued on our way. That day taught me an awful lot of respect for the sea and has probably made me a chicken for life.
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