Sailing vacation boat charter and week sailboat cruise forum

In general, if this is multi-week trip, you can choose 1 week anytime or 2, 3 weeks in a row. If is a week long sailing charter well, then you have one choice right?

For example for Greece, Grenadines, Turkey, Brazil, Spain, France, Sicily...

Price PP for 1 week anytime is $1650 - with food and drinks (with restrictions - see menu and provisioning section).

Price per week PP for 2 weeks is $1550 - with food and drinks (with restrictions - see menu and provisioning section).

For Tahiti add $100.00 to the prices above.

For Tonga add $400.00.

Prices do NOT include air fare.

Maupiti Lagoon. Tahiti Xmas 2007

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Q2. Is there a discount if I bring friends?

A. Yes! $100 discount per week per person you bring along. With a maximum of $200 discount per sailing vacation per person (not already signed up). See payment and discount policy on the web site.

Sure! Bring your friends! BVIs Jan. 2007

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Q3. Can you hold a spot for me ?

A. Sorry we can't. The only way we can hold a spot for you is after you register. This is done on a first come first served basis to be fair to everybody. See payment policy.

If you want us to hold on a spot for you... Register first!

BVI fight for a spot Jan. 2007

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Q4. How can I get updates about the trip?

A. You need to declare your interest or register through the web site. Then you are on our mailing list, you get the updates, get invited to presentations, etc.

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Q5. When are you charging my credit card?

A. You are charged $300.00 when you register, then $500.00 2 months before departure, then $500 one month before departure. The rest is charged 2 weeks before departure.

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Q6. Can I make payment arrangements?

A. It is possible. Just let us know what you need and we will try to accommodate you as much as we can.

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Q7. I just registered. I am signed up? What is next?

A. You are not signed up until you fill up the crew info sheet - download available from the web site on the right menu bar.

On this information form you give us you passport #, medical info, priorities for the trip, your emergency contacts, preference for food and drinks, preference for cabin mates, skippers boats etc... Remember to send this crew info sheet to your emergency contacts so that they can contact you in case of problem, although remind them that this only a safety precaution and that chances are that everything will be perfectly fine. Please note that this information remains confidential and we are only sharing it with charter companies (when they request it), customs and immigration offices and for management purposes at our level.

When you receive a confirmation from our office that we received your crew information sheet, you are officially signed up.

The Crew info sheet

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Q8. I can't download the crew info sheet!

A. Please read the instructions before downloading... If you still have difficulties we will email you out the form.

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Q9. Do you serve Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Vegetarian, Diabetic, Gluten free food, etc?

A. We try our best to accommodate every possible food preference, but please remember that we are traveling on a boat and in a foreign country where your preferences might be difficult to manage. If you have a very strict diet please let us know in advance and we will do our best.

Russian/Japanese Taboule... Is that Kosher? BVI's Jan. 2007

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Q10. I don't drink alcohol. Do I get a discount?

A. Yes given that you don't drink alcohol at all, you will get a $50.00 discount per week.

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Q11. I drink red/white wine, bier. Why isn't this included in the cost?

A. We only buy wine and bier for the first day and we fill up the bar with classic and local alcohols - See Provisioning. When the bar is empty the crew get together and we share expenses. The reason is that if we enjoy partying we do not control how much and what every single person is drinking. It is much more fair to adjust depending on the consumption and the preference of each other. The added cost varies from $20 to $40 pp per week depending on the intensity of the evenings. If you have very specific preference in terms of drinks, buy your own bottles while traveling duty free... It is at times somewhat difficult to find top single cast single malt whisky in some areas...

CaChaca store in Paraty... Just tasting them all. Brazil April 2007

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Q12. I am under 21 years old. Can I drink?

A. Depending upon the law in each country that we are visiting you may drink under 21. Only four countries in the world have a drinking age above 21. This is not the case of the countries we are visiting. As long as you are at least 18 years old you decide for yourself. We are respecting local laws and customs. Just be responsible...

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Q13. Can I drink during the day?

A. If we encourage parties and events on boats, between boats and on shore, we do not encourage drinking while sailing for obvious safety reasons. Skippers have different takes on this. If you drink during the day while sailing to the point where you may endanger yourself or others, you might be asked to remain in the cabin or in the cockpit where you will be safe. This will be your skipper's decision. So please drink responsibly. It is much more fun to have a blast once anchored, moored or docked... That's the way we like to party.

Syrtaki dancing Greece Sept. 2006

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Q14. Do I need to book hotels?

A. Most of our trips do not require that you book hotels. You have a cabin on the boat from the Saturday eve to the Friday eve (unless otherwise specified). Nevertheless it is up to you to decide if you want to book a hotel depending on your flight schedules. You may also want to spend one or several nights after or even during the sailing trip on your own. Just do as you wish. You are not obliged to remain on the boat at all time and you can catch up with us in the morning or even later if you inform the skipper and if you have an agreement with her/him. Often crew gets together to share a hotel room during the day or the night in order to have a real LONG shower, something that is not always possible on the boat.

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Q15. What do you mean LONG shower not possible on the boat?

About water consumption on the boat.

A. Because we have limited resources in terms of water we try not to use as much water as we do on land (although in some instances, water may be restricted on shore in case of severe drought). So we limit ourselves willingly and "happily" to QUICK showers. You will be instructed about that on the boat. We also use public facilities as much as we can to save our water consumption on the boat. If we empty our tanks every day we will have to refill everyday.... This means spending 2 to 3 hours docked somewhere (if water is indeed available nearby, which is not always the case) while we could be sailing or doing something more pleasant... To save water we also rinse dishes with sea water when we are at sea. We also cook pasta with sea water ... Saving water and salt :) We do not use sea water when docked or moored for obvious hygiene and food safety reasons. We expect everyone to self-monitor water consumption... Be respectful of the others.

Ok So now you can take a LONG shower! Brazil April 2007

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Q16. Do we all sleep together in the big central space (cabin)?

About cabin mate.

A. I like this one... Of course we all sleep together pilled up on the top of each other in the central cabin !!!

NOOOOO THIS IS A JOKE OK? You will sleep in a cabin - probably with a cabin mate (unless you want to book the cabin for yourself which you can do for twice the charter cost minus a discount of $200 per week), a friend, a good friend etc... Nevertheless, you may use the central cabin at times if it is not used by the skipper, or someone else, or sleep outside in the cockpit or on the deck (trampoline for cats), or in the fore peaks (if they are accessible for catamaran),

Sleeping on the trampoline... BVI's Jan. 2007

in the boom (lazy jacks), under the boom with a hammock,... That's why we encourage you to find a cabin mate prior to the departure. If you don't have one, let us know what is your preference and we will pair you up to the best of our possibilities and knowledge. Note that you will sleep very well anywhere after a full day of sailing... See Below.

On the Trimaran Brossard after a long night of sailing. Jul. 2007

BTW, you use the cabin also as a storage, where you will pack your clothes and belongings. Please be careful when packing because you have a small space to share at 2 (See the boats section where you can see how a cabin looks like).

Large cabin Catamaran

Small Cabin Monohull

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Q17. Do you have a TV, a hair dryer, a washing machine, a bathtub, a dish washer, a cook, a steward, a book store, a starbuck... on board?

A. Guess what? Nope, nada, nichts, niente! Just think of it as "luxury" camping on the water... Except that you have this amazing salty water swimming pool, these otherwise inaccessible beach and the sunsets...Ahhh the sunsets...

Thank God we had a generator! BVI's Jan.2007

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Q18. Do you have AC, a blender, music, a fridge, electricity on the boat? About electricity on board.

A. AC is only available when we have a generator on board. This is pretty rare in Europe, more common in the Caribbean, Thailand, Malaysia...

Blenders, Hairdryer, and other small electrical equipment that draw a lot of power are possible when we have a generator on board while sailing or when we are docked and on shore power (we plug the boat to a power source on the dock).

Music is available. Take your Ipod and and Itrip if you have one. Bring your charger.

Bring Your Ipod! BVI's Jan. 2007

We have an Inverter that allows us to use any other small electric equipment on 110V such as battery, phone, camera, blackberry, computers chargers. But you need to bring YOUR OWN charger and/or rechargeable batteries.

We also have a fridge that draws a lot of power. We therefore try to keep it close as much as possible to avoid to loose too much cold and therefore too much power. We also often do not run it during the night if we are not docked and on shore power.

Because when we don't have - most of the times - a generator on board we use the big 12 v batteries of the boat for our electrical consumption. Because we are recharging the boat's batteries with the engine, we try to use as little current as possible so that we don't have to run the engine 10 hours per day. It smells, and it is noisy... We charge in general 2 hours per day (morning and evening, unless we are docked. Then we can use shore power and have an orgy of electrical power. Although we expect everyone to self-monitor electrical consumption... :) See what I mean?

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Q19. I can't survive on the list of the items that you say we should take with us for the trip. What should I do?

A. You have no idea how easy it is to wash by hand things like t-shirt, underwear, shorts etc... Also you can give your laundry on shore when we stop. This will make it sooo easy instead of digging in this huge bag twenty times per day.

Small bathing suits make the laundry easy! Brazil April 2007

In addition this BIG BAG that you are willing to carry around will probably arrive late or get lost because you will be obliged to check it. This is happening EACH TIME !. Pack simply, use a soft bag (much easier to store on the boat) that you can bring in the plane as a carry on. If you need more toiletries than what is allowed for traveling, buy it locally ... There is nothing better than Greek tooth paste and Tahitian shampoo with fresh vanilla... Bring along always one more formal evening - simple - outfit, for it is appreciated to dress up in the evening in most of the countries we travel through. It is also appropriate if we visit sacred sites such as Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples.

A classy outfit works in all circumstances! Halloween NYC 2006

For the rest think practical, casual, simple. Think LIGHT... Bring also a dry bag (Zip lock bag can work too), sun glasses, open shoes protecting your toes (keens) that you can wear on board and on shore, a whistle, a water proof flash light, a foul weather jacket... See equipment section - What to bring.

Foul weather jacket can be handy at times. France Italy June 2007

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Q20. I need to take medications what should I do?

A, Bring your medications with you in your carry on!!! Take also your prescriptions, you will be able to refill locally. Take more than a week of medications in separate containers. In case you loose one you'll have always spare medications. If you have a medical condition we suggest that you take a travel insurance and let us know about it in your crew info sheet.

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Q21. What is the average age on the boat? What kind of people?

A. It is hard to say. We try to organize boats by age groups, by gender and by level of sailing. The large majority of the people is between 28 and 35. Although you will notice that competence in sailing and good partying capacities comes with age... I say that only to justify the fact that I am "slightly" older :)

We try to mix nationalities and gender - it is always more fun. People on our sailing charters are mostly professionals trying to unwind and to have fun and ready to discover a original way of travel. Just check the pictures of previous trips and you will get a better idea.

Some of the People... BVI's Jan. 2007

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Q22. I am single. What about my chances to meet other people during this trip?

A. Although we are not the "love boat" we think that our sailing charters give you a great opportunity to meet people and to discover who they are. We encourage socialization and events that make it simple to have fun and to meet other people and have fun... It happens all the time but we leave you in charge of the "details"...

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Q23. Are you gay friendly?

A. We are very gay friendly. We think it is always fun to mix crowds, genders, races, nationalities and sexual preferences, etc... We respect them all. Sailing is about freedom...

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Q24. I am very independent. I am stuck with the group at all time?

A. This not a boot camp and neither a guided tour. We have no precise time schedules, you wake up when you wake up, leave when you want, come back as you wish alone or in groups. Just realize that if we wake up at noon ... we will have less time to sail or to do something interesting... As long as everybody agrees we are fine. In other words, we encourage personal agendas if they are not conflicting with the group intention. You are welcome to do your own things and meet us at time if there is a clear agreement - which involves communication... HELLOOOO- about where and when we will meet to pick you up and if you respect it. There is nothing worse than to block a full boat because you haven't scheduled things properly with the skippers. Even in case of problems or delays you can reach the skipper by SMS or email... Have fun, do your stuff and respect the others... People will respect you.

Doing your own stuff... Norway June 2007

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Q25. I don't sail, but I would like to come. What should I do?

About harmony on the boat.

A. You have several options;

If you want to learn sailing you can take a class - see American Sailing Association Basic Keel Boat and Coastal Cruising sailing education.

You can also just learn right there, ask question and try to do as much as you want. If you learn fast, skipper and first mate will ask you to do more if you are willing.

Bring gloves... It might help! BVIs Jan. 2007

Or you can also relax and not get involved in the sailing part. This is your choice and sun tanning is also considered as an activity on a boat.

Sun tanning in the Grenadines. Nov. 2006

The only thing that we request is that you contribute in some ways to the life of the boat. It is about harmony. Use your talents, cook, prepare dishes, clean the table, go shopping for the boat or be the best bartender, get flowers, DJ, tell jokes, give massages to the skipper :).... Everybody has talents. Use them. There are tons of opportunities on a boat. And most importantly ... come to have fun and to share.

How do you like you coconut milk? Bartending in Tahiti. Xmas 2007

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Q26. I don't know how to swim/I don't swim very well. Can I come along?

A. It is your decision but if you come we would recommend that you wear a life jacket on the boat while sailing. Very light life jackets - self inflating - are a possible solution. At any time if you don't feel at ease wear a life jacket. At times the skipper will request everyone to wear a life jackets if the weather/sea conditions are rough...

Life jackets may adopt various forms and shapes. BVIs Jan. 2007

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Q27. I want to sail a lot and get involved as much as possible to learn more. Is it possible?

A. Yes, just ask for it and the skipper will get you involved as much as possible according to your knowledge and capacities.

If you learn fast, you'll get more things to do but you DO need to ASK for it. You can also take a specific sailing class, see American Sailing Association Basic Keel Boat and Coastal Cruising sailing education.

Trim this sheeeet Pleazzzze. Greece. Sept. 2006

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Q28. I would like to dive during the trip. Any possibilities?

A. Yes there are many diving centers where we sail in general. We will take time diving for those who are into it. Please let know the skipper about your plans, and do your home work prior to departure. Select few spots where you would like to dive and this will be organized with the rest of the crew - probably in the morning. This implies that you need to avoid alcohol the day before... Also don't forget your certifications - PADI, etc... They are required in every country now.

Plenty of diving opportunities Rich... Bvi's Jan 2007

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Q29. What to expect in terms of sailing? How many hours per day?

A. We are not going sail in heavy weather or difficult conditions. This means that we always have nearby a possibility of shelter where we will wait if the weather is bad (see weather permitting Q30). We will be sailing 4 to 5 hours per day in average. Some sails will be longer depending on the itinerary, the weather and the wishes of the crew. We will discuss the itinerary daily and try to satisfy the majority of the crew based on their interest and the sailing possibilities - this includes capacity of the crew. This means that the itinerary can be modified and is only indicative. Although departing and arrival point will not be modified in order to prevent transportation problems and last minute changes. If the crew wishes we can stop somewhere to give us more time to relax or to discover a specific area - 1 or even 2 days. Daily crew meeting will take place to discuss these aspects.

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Q30. What means "weather permitting"? About itineraries, schedules and flexibility.

A. Weather permitting means simply IF the weather allows it.

Sailing is about elements; winds, seas, people and life in general and about the fact that we can't always control everything.

Because we are not racing - and even if we were - the weather and the seas command. Our skippers are not allowed to take risks or they would be neglectful. The idea behind our sailing vacations is that everybody comes back safe and happy. Sailing is not about taking inconsiderate risks. Sailing is about respecting our environment, the elemental forces that drive it and by any mean to respect the seas, the winds and naturally the people on the boats. Do you really want to sail with 50 + knots of wind? Most professional sailors even if they have lived through these conditions know that it is unsafe, unpleasant, ... and that they are not covered by their insurances.

"The place was all messed up"... Try your insurance. Turkey 2007

Therefore it will be the responsibility of each skipper to decide what to do if the weather gets difficult. They are responsible, for you and for the boat. In these cases, itineraries might change without notice. Conditions on the boat might be so difficult that you may have to get out and find shelter in a nice hotel. Sure you might decide to stay on the boat BUT you will responsible for yourself. This means that if your skippers decide a change of itinerary or else for the safety of the crew and the boats you will have to follow. It is pure common sense.

"The water was so muddy"... Sorry no refund - Turkey 07

At times the weather can be so bad that we will not even be able to leave harbor or to arrive in time for your flights and or to follow our INDICATIVE itinerary. We, YOU have to live with this. What we can do is to advise you to be flexible and to have back up solutions; i.e. make sure that your tickets are refundable and modifiable, make sure that you do not take a flight few hours after our scheduled arrival. At times we will have to wait for crew stuck somewhere, because of lost luggage, or delays, because of rain, snow, accidents... Well we will have to wait. At times we might have not enough winds, or too much, or it might be too cold to swim, or too rainy to visit sites etc....

Storm in Paraty. "Sorry we are stuck" - Brazil 07

In any case we will not be able to assume any refunds due to weather conditions. Therefore be prepared. A travel insurance is - as a medical insurance - inexpensive (between $30.00 and $150.00 per week per insurance combined with other benefits) and can be very useful in such circumstances. Although you have to take care of it yourself.

In rare instances due to these circumstances we will be simply obliged to cancel our trip, or to remain in a harbor... Have you tried already to get a refund from your hotel, your tour operator or any other service provider because you had no sun, no wind, too much heat, not enough? If you are not ready to live with the elements, and therefore to be flexible, we would suggest that you opt for another type of vacation, something a little more traditional and less weather dependant.

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Q31. About the boats. Can you guarantee that we will be sailing on the type of boats you are describing? What if there is a problem on the boat?

A. Please read well. The type of boats we are describing on our web site is INDICATIVE. We try as much as we can to get the best boats possible. Nevertheless problems happen; We are never guaranteed to get the exact boat we have booked. Simply because the boats we have booked can be damaged, or are not back yet or simply because we have too much or not enough crew for this boat. One more time we are dealing with equipments and people. Nothing is written in stone and although charter companies try do their best, as we do, problems may occur. If they can be fixed we will do. If they can't, well we find another boat.

You will be warned in case of such changes and you will have the opportunity to opt out but we will not be responsible for any fees or refunds if you decide to come along.

Ok that boat needs minor repairs - Greece 07

Problems on the boat.

At times equipment on boats break or become not or less operational; Heads gets stuck, water tanks break, valves do not open, pumps or electrical or electronic system fail, halyards break etc, there is always something going on... Who is responsible? Who put too much paper in the head or let the water pump on for too long and put too much tension in the lines...? Is it not really the question? When we take a boat it is in general fully operational. Any dysfunction after that it is OUR (collective) problem. That's why you have a briefing beforehand. This is why you have a skipper. S/he will try to make your life as comfortable as possible and to repair as soon as s/he can. Nevertheless at times, service or parts are not available or it will take a while before finding the proper shiphandler. Here too we, you need to live with this and we can't accept any request for refund. As a matter of fact your skipper is in general responsible for any problem occurring after departure if it is not clearly mentioned on the inventory.

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Q32. What about visiting places and historical sites?

A. Everywhere we go we place an emphasize on discovering local culture, people and specific sites for their beauty or historical value and interest.

We will take the time to do this almost daily agenda and weather permitting. Do your home work. Get a guide and study where you would like to stop by and decide what you whish to explore. Then make your point during the meetings. We also often split in groups and have different activities.

Site seeing in Amalfi... Danger Grass! Sicily/Amalfi June 2007

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Q33. Food wise why do you only schedule 4 dinners?

A. First we are arriving at different dates. Some will eat on the boat on Saturday when others will still be traveling. Second, I doubt that we are ready for cooking after long hours of travel. Third, we would like to allow for group or split group dinners when we are tired and to discover local and traditional food. It is great at times to eat a big and fresh steak. Fourth, we systematically throw food away at the end of the charter...

BBQ on the boat... makes me nervous. Grenadines Nov 2006

Therefore we think that this is the best and fairest way to handle food. If we need more, we will simply buy more and get to local open markets to get fresh produces, fish etc... This is much more fun and also a good answer to the problem of storage, cold chain and food quality. I have eaten too much can food and pasta on boats... You will see, a good meal is a must on a boat. That's why I try to bring with me a chef when I can... Anyone interested???

Lobster dinner Bvi's Jan. 2007

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Q34. How much money should I take with me?

A. Depending on what you want to spend and where, we would advise to carry about $300 to $500 cash with you. Also remember that most banks are closed on weekends and have specific schedules. So change a $100.00 at the airport and then find a better place to get the best rate possible.

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Q35. How can I stay in touch with my work/family/the group/the skipper?

A. Several solutions possible;

Use a tri or quad band GSM phone (T-mobile, ATT, Cingular) possibly unlocked. It works about everywhere (except Japan). CDMA (Sprint, Verizon...) phones only work in the USA. You can either get international roaming service (at killing rates) or get a Sim card (if your phone is unlocked) (check with your provider) and buy a local plan for less than $40.00 everywhere around the world. In general you can receive free calls. You can also decide to use only text message SMS or Email if you have email service on your phone. Just call your provider and make sure to activate the international email features (generally prorated) and cancel it once you are back.

If you don't have a GSM phone you can be reached via my email and by SMS on my phone. My numbers and email addresses are on the Crew info Sheet. Send it or give it to you emergency contacts.

I personally use my Blackberry. It works about everywhere (Tmobile) but I do not answer my phone due to the crazy roaming rates. In case of need text me or email me.

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Q36. What about emergencies?

A. First when you fill up your crew info sheet you also give us your emergency contacts information. So you can be reached via my email or SMS and we can reach your emergency contacts. In case of medical emergencies they are many places where you can be treated locally. If you have a medical condition or if you are not covered by your insurance try to get a medical travel insurance. It is easy not expensive and can save a lot of trouble although chances are that ... you will not use it and that all will be fantastic! In addition make sure that you can cancel your flights with no or a minimum penalty or that you have a travel insurance when booking your airfare. This avoid problems if we had to cancel because of the weather or for any other reasons.

Also check out the Department of State and CDC web sites to find out about special safety and medical precautions, such as vaccinations, etc. Remember that DPT and MMR should be routine when traveling.

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Q37. I am going to be seasick?

A. The question is: How to avoid seasickness? There are various school of thoughts...

First very few people get seasick. If you haven't been seasick while sailing small boats (J24) or on a motorboat chances are that you will not get seasick at all.

Then avoiding sea sickness is easier than you might think, especially on a sailboat, rather than a power boat which movements may be erratic when compared to the natural tilting of a sailboat. It is even better on mono-hull sailboats because they have a keel to oppose the force of the wind, helping eliminating the roll. And roll, is the biggest cause of motion sickness.

Yes we agree, nothing can spoil a day on the water like a case of motion sickness. "At first you feel that you may die, then you worry that you won't". When it happens at sea, we refer to it as "mal de mer" or sea sickness. Whatever you call it, it feels miserable when it besets us. There are ways to reducing or eliminating its severity or occurrence, or possibly preventing it altogether, so we you may enjoy your sailing vacation.

Motion sickness is a conflict between your senses. A fluid filled canal in your inner ear that controls your sense of balance tells your brain that your body is moving, while your eyes, looking into the cabin of the boat, tells your brain that you are not moving. That conflict can cause your body to be out of balance, and we know how the digestive system feels about that.

Drive the boat... It helps! Brazil April 2007

About prevention.

If your biological systems are out of whack, your meals may come back. Our metabolisms are nearly as unique as our personalities. Some preventatives will work for some people and not others. Others will work, though with varying degrees of effectiveness. You may have to do some trials and experimenting to find what works best for you. Nothing works the same for everybody.

There are two symptoms of seasickness, dizziness and nausea. Since a number of factors contribute to sea sickness and can trigger either or both parts, it makes sense to adhere to the following guidelines to reduce the chances of succumbing to it.

1. Get plenty of rest before you go out on the water. Weariness and exhaustion can make you more susceptible to other things that can bring on motion sickness. Do your gear preparation early the day before and take care of other business well before a proper bed time.

2. Do not eat greasy or acidic foods for several hours before your sailing adventure. This includes having coffee also. You don't want to have a lot of acid or heavy, slow to digest foods rolling around in your stomach while you are rolling around on the sea. Heavy, greasy foods like bacon and eggs, sausage, waffles or pancakes with syrup, alone or combined with acidic juices like orange juice, can wreak havoc on your system and end up recycled as lunch for fishes. Consider less acidic fruits (apples, bananas, pears, grapes, melons, etc.), breads (muffins, croissants, rolls), cereals and grains as alternatives. Milk, water, apple juice, cranberry juice and other low acid beverages are gentler alternatives to orange juice or grapefruit juice. Some caffeinated beverages (including soft drinks) should be avoided as they are diuretics (make you urinate) which accelerates dehydration. The gas in carbonated beverages has negative responses in some, avoid them also.

3. Do not skip eating before sailing. An empty stomach can be almost as bad as one with the wrong types of food in it. Give your stomach acids something to work on other than your well-being. Give your stomach time to begin digesting you meal. Get up a little earlier if you must to eat relax and an hour or more before going out on the water. Don't overeat and get bloated either.

4. Drink plenty of water. Even partial dehydration lowers your body's resistance to the stressful factors caused by the boat ride. Take lots of water with you and drink often.

5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for several hours. Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body. Its other symptoms are not desirable either. Alcohol can prevent the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, the one in which you dream and your brain rests. You may feel tired and not alert from just a few drinks, two qualities not conducive to safe boating. If you do plan on drinking, make every third drink a glass of water. It will reduce dehydration and your chances for a hangover.

6. Avoid gasoline or diesel fumes. They can put you over the edge literally and figuratively. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Avoid becoming overheated and dehydrated.

7. Again, if possible, avoid the cabin and other enclosed spaces. Sometimes, a breezy spot in the sun may be preferable to a shady spot in a stuffy cabin. The open air and ability to look out over the horizon are often more important than being in a shady spot, which can be stuffy and enclosed, limiting your view of the horizon and perhaps making you more prone to motion sickness.

There will be less motion towards the center of the boat, both horizontally and vertically, and it will increase with the height of the waves. Horizontally, you want to be amidships, towards the center, rather that at the bow or stern. The more sensitive to motion sickness you are, the closer you need to be towards the center, which is the calmest part of the boat.

8. If you are beginning to feel a bit queasy, stand up and look out over the horizon. Despite what you might think, sitting or laying down is the worst thing you can do at this point. Don't do it. This is a critical moment. You will get much worse even faster and may reach a point of no return if you make the wrong choice. Soda and crackers seem to help some people by calming their stomachs and reducing nausea.

Steering the boat is an instant remedy. Try it even if you don't feel confident enough but let the skipper know that you don't feel well.

Drive the boat! Again it helps! Brazil Apr. 2007

9. When the boat is rolling with the waves rather than moving under its own power and you are standing on deck, possibly getting hot, your resistance to motion sickness diminishes rapidly. Reduce that exposure time to an absolute minimum.

11. Have some water and fruit before. It can help by re-hydrating you.

12. If someone in your party is overcome by sea sickness, get away from them at once! Unfortunately, many of us can do fine until someone else loses it. Then we have a sympathetic reaction and succumb as well. It could be the sound, the smell, the sight, or a combination of them that triggers the same response in us. You don't have to be close to your buddy at this time. There is nothing you can do to help.

If you feel nauseous and about to succumb, please avoid the entry and exit areas of the boat. Hang your head over the gunwales... or use a bucket. There is no shame.

Medications and Natural Preventatives

Ginger is a natural preventative. It soothes a queasy stomach and has no side effects. You can get it in pill form, tablets or powder, as ginger root in many herb and health food stores, or as pickled ginger slices at Japanese food marts and even at many Japanese restaurants. Most serve it pickled with sushi, hand rolls, and other of their dishes. It puts out the fire that too much wasabe can start.

Some doctors recommend that you can take it 12-24 hours before, as preventing sea sickness is easier than curing it. Somewhere from 1 gram up to 4 grams per day of powdered ginger is recommended. Some studies seem to indicate that ginger is more effective in the reduction of vomiting and sweating than nausea and vertigo, although they reduce those symptoms as well. You can try gingersnap cookies and ginger ale, although their lower ginger content may not be as effective. They do work for many sailors though.

Eating peppermint in conjunction with ginger is reported by as being even more effective. Since mint does have some of the same calming qualities as ginger, this may be true. Perhaps it is just the belief that it works that is effective. Regardless, it is an inexpensive and pleasant addition. An added benefit is making your breath sweeter which is a plus for you and ... for the crew.

Another treatment is the acupressure wrist band. It applies pressure to a particular point on your wrist which can prevent the feeling of nausea.

There are other preventatives, such as over the counter and prescription medications.

Most should be taken in advance and not on an empty stomach. Be sure to read the instructions. Dramamine is one that has been used for years.

Meclizine or Bonine (Antivert) are also effective. You can find them at most pharmacies and drug stores.

Scopolamine used in the Transderm Scop patches is also available. Be sure to read this warning about sea sickness medications. It might give you more reasons to try other methods of prevention than medication.

Scopolamine is a prescription drug in the family of chemicals known as belladonna alkaloids (belladonna from the Italian for beautiful lady. Renaissance women took belladonna to get dilated pupils, an effect of scopolamine). Scopolamine should not be used by people with glaucoma. Its side effects can include dry mouth (the most common side effect,) dilated pupils with blurred vision, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion, memory disturbances, dizziness, restlessness, hallucinations, and difficulty urinating. When you stop using the patches you can also get disorientation, confusion, memory disturbances, dizziness, and restlessness. Scopolamine's side effects are not predictable. You could have used it without problems many times before and still develop an untoward reaction. Some of the side effects are similar to the effects of nitrogen narcosis, and even if you're having a mild reaction to the scopolamine (and maybe not even know it) the reaction could be more pronounced at depth. This is important if you intend to dive during the sailing trip.

Grace and the patch... Bvi's Jan 2007

Please remember that there is no one I know of who can't get seasick if the conditions are right (meaning BAD), but there are some things that can be done to reduce the possibility.

More Tips!

1. Don't drink liquor excessively the night before departing. The slight morning after feeling can be many times compounded on a boat.

2. Be careful to avoid greasy foods. The first sign of seasickness is indigestion and it often never gets past that point.

3. Drink Coke or Pepsi. These two drinks help reduce the chances of getting sick because they contain phosphoric acid, which is an ingredient in Emetrol, a drug to control vomiting. That's the medical explanation I received from a doctor when I asked why a Coke seems to settle the stomach. Eat Saltine crackers. They absorb the excess acidity very well. If the indigestion is really bad, take an antacid.

4. Stay up on deck where the air is fresh and you can see the horizon. The worst thing is to focus on a near object that is moving around in relation to the background like making an intricate repair below decks in the forepeak of the boat. When you stay on deck you can see the horizon and it greatly helps maintain your equilibrium and orientation. Also, since the smell of diesel fuel can aggravate seasickness, fresh air helps.

5. If you have a choice of berths, don't choose one in the forward cabin if sailing at night. At anchor, the forward stateroom is fine! There is less pitching motion in the center of the boat and the quietest berth from the point of view of movement is often the quarter-berth, if there is one.

6. Sleep on your back. This seems to support the stomach better from bouncing around, though, not being an MD, I couldn't tell you why.

7. Keep busy on deck. Some say seasickness is completely psychological. I know of people who have gone asleep feeling well, only to wake up seasick, so I doubt that it's all psychological. However, if you sit around worrying that you might get seasick, it's apt to happen. Seeing and smelling others seasick doesn't seem to have an effect on me, but it may cause others to feel sick. If you're very busy on deck steering, or trimming and changing sails, you are less apt to feel bad, but once you do feel sick, activity tends to make it worse. You'll feel much better if you tickle your throat over the side and get rid of it. Obviously, this has to be done on the leeward side of the boat and it's best to have someone holding onto your belt, because you don't have much control while vomiting. Don't be shy.

8. Have your ears cleaned before a long race or cruise. This has helped many people reduce their proneness to seasickness by allowing the balance mechanism in the ears to work better. I've never had it done myself, but I've heard it helps.

9. Be in good physical condition. It reduces your chances of becoming seasick and also reduces its debilitating effects on you if you do.

10. Steer. This even helps the crew members that have already started to feel queasy. Steering necessitates looking at the horizon (#4) and keeping busy (#7), and provides anticipation of what the next movement of the boat will be. Keep busy...

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Q38. Do I have to cook, clean etc?

A. Let's put it this way. If you can't be involved in the life of the boat at all, you will have difficulties bonding with the rest of the crew. As we explained above earlier. If you don't know how to cook, you probably know how to make sandwiches, or set a table, open a bottle of wine, clean up the table or the dishes... We ask you to get involved with the life on the boat, to clean your space and to help. If you can't we would suggest that you choose an other option for your vacations.

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