Sea-sickness is not actually fatal but, as most sufferers will testify, it feels like it is, and at the time they certainly wish it had been. Quasar, who was virtually paralysed for four hours described it as "the closest he has ever felt to being dead in his life". 'The Machine' who heaved into a bucket every few minutes for 6 miserable hours said "it was not my favourite part of the trip"
Both have sailed in conditions as bad, or worse, than the ones that gave them the 'mal de mer' and a healthy respect for the condition, and a judicious use of drugs has meant that neither have suffered since. It should also be noted that Quazar had sailed regularly for 7 years before he experienced his first bout.
For more tales of the unwell click here...
Diagram of vestibular system
90% of all people will have suffered from motion sickness at some point in their lives. Almost anyone who has normal inner ear balance function can suffer motion sickness - even round the world yachtsmen. Its not a sign of a weak stomach, indeed Quazar hurled so hard he cleared Enigma's stern.
Technically speaking Seasickness is a problem generally attributed to disturbance in the balance system of the inner ear (vestibular) system. The boats motion causes fluid changes in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, making it unable to maintain a state of equilibrium.
Basically the brain is being told by your vision system that things like cabin walls and furniture are steady as walls and furniture should be, but the inner ear is screaming to the brain that the eyes are telling lies fibs and untruths and should not be listened to. This resulting confusion causes the brain to give up trying to make sense of the argument and it takes its frustration out on the body causing a range of dibilitating symptoms from sleepiness and mild nausea, right up to violent vomiting, dizziness, headache, and cold perspiration.
move your mouse over this picture of Enigma's main cabin to see what it was like when the picture was taken
Remember - if your eyes see what your ears are feeling, you will certainly have a better chance of avoiding the worst effects of seasickness
The most common problem on Enigma is when crew are in the cabin below decks, so if you need to 'go below' don't go down for long, and whilst you are down there, keep your eyes looking out of the windows so you can see the horizon. Do not deprive your eyes of the information your brain needs to understand what your vestibular system is telling it.
For the same reasons, staring at a fixed object on deck can bring on sea sickness. Both the extreme cases of Sea sickness aboard Enigma were brought on soon after trimming the sails. Quazar quite specifically put this down to "staring down at the winch whilst concentrating on loading the sheet'"
Prevention is certainly better than cure, so avoiding the above is a good place to start. In addition there are certain remedies kept aboard that may help some sufferers, however medication must be taken several hours before you sail and not during the onset of symptoms.
Amongst Enigma crew members the most effective of these has been 'Stugeron', which contains the active ingredient Cinnarizine. Cinnarizine 'inhibits stimulation of the vestibular system'. The peak plasma levels of Cinnarizine are obtained 1 to 3 hours after intake and it disappears from plasma with a half-life of 4 hours. Which in English means it takes about 2 hours to start working, and keeps working for about 4.
The Machine trying to relive the symptons with accupressureNon pharmaceutical
aids, such as pressure bands, help some people, and we have accupressure wristbands
aboard Enigma. Unlike the tablets the wrist bands can be used when you start
to feel sick. Based upon the ancient Chinese principle of accupressure the band
applies continuous pressure on the P6 (or Nei-Kuan) point on each wrist using
a plastic stud on a velcro wrist strap. It is very effective for mild attacks
especially if the duration of the trip is quite short, but in longer trips in
very rough weather it has sadly not always proved succesful. This photo shows
the Machine trying to use accupressure to relieve the nausea shortly before
his six hour stint of vomiting began.
Sleepiness can often be the first sign and some people who think they don't get seasick, actually do without realising it. People who love to take a nap the moment they get out onto the water are probably feeling the effects of mild motion sickness. Several Enigma visitors have felt tired followed by mild nausea in relatively calm conditions. As discussed, the boats motion causes fluid changes in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Because of this, with some people, lying down and taking a nap works effectively. This is because the fluid changes are not as noticeable when the body is horizontal, thus removing that source of information from the brain. Shutting the eyes obviously stops the brain receiving any misleading 'sight' information, and so leaves the body to make its own mind up as to what is moving and what isn't. If possible try not to lie down in the cabin, instead lay out in the cockpit and get some fresh air as well.
After sleepiness comes the nausea, it is often mild and may not be much of a problem, but on a small sailing yacht in rough conditions the symptoms can escalate to extreme nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and cold perspiration. If you start to feel any of these symptoms then tell the Skipper immediately.
Keep your senses, particularly your eyes, working flat out interpreting the motion of the boat and the waves. One of the best ways of achieving this aboard Enigma is by taking a spell on the helm. Whilst on the helm let your brain adjust to the unstable environment by allowing the horizon to act as a true point of reference. Concentrating on steering instead of feeling sick, and anticipating the movements of the boat against the waves quickly dispels most peoples nausea.
Hopefully things will not get worse, but if they do then there are some things you must do for safety's sake. If you think you are going to be sick then you must wear a life jacket and using the lifejackets integral harness, clip yourself on a lifeline.Then you will not be at risk if you are leaning over the side. You will have been shown how to do this at the initial safety breifing when you joined the boat. Try to stay warm, relaxed and comfortable and drink small amounts of fluid (water is best) every now and then. This is especially important if you already are really sick, and hanging out over the railing - you don't want to become dehydrated, it'll only slow your recovery. The Skipper and the rest of the crew will look after you, and do not be embarrassed, you are not the first to vomit aboard Enigma, and you will not be the last.
