Has anyone been sailing before?

[RoxMonster]

We're headed up to Michigan in a week, and I was looking into taking a sailboat cruise. They let you bring on your own alcohol and they will teach you how to help the captain man the sails or whatnot (I know nothing about sailing, obviously).

I have been on a catamaran on the Pacific that was fairly choppy/rough, as well as a tiny water taxi in Lake Michigan that was very choppy and didn't get sea sick either time, though after drinking on the catamaran for 1.5 hours I started feeling a little yuck at the very end. I know it all depends on how rough the waters are that day, but how does sailing typically compare? Do you think I'd be OK since I have never been sea sick before, or should I take something just in case?

If so, what do you recommend and could I still drink alcohol if I took it?

[Deleted]

How big is the boat? Are you going to be in a bay or on open water in Lake Michigan? How sick you get depends on a lot of things -how rough the water is that day, how windy it is, how big the boat is. Smaller boat and more chop = sicker stomach. And I have no idea if you can drink after taking dramamine but I'd think you'd be really sleepy and wouldn't really enjoy yourself!

[RoxMonster]

It's a 44 foot boat and we will be out on open Lake Michigan.

Yeah I wouldn't want to be sleepy. Maybe I will chance it without anything.

[W.T.Faulkner]

No, but

[livinitup]

I love sailing. I never heard of being sea sick on a recreational boat for a few hours.

I guess anything can happen to anyone. But I'd be surprised if you had a problem. The main thing I don't like about seasick medicine is dry mouth.

[Deleted]

We had a sailboat for several years and I never once got sick on it. I think the best thing for you would be to hydrate well before hand. You'll probably be fine.

[ECB]

I've gone sailing a few times w/ DH and friends. The only time I ever got sea sick was when we were in BAD weather w/ really high waves and the boat was just going up and down up and down really hard. It was also a 12 hour trip.... Oy.

[pantsparty]

[fryjack2]

I'm a sailor. I've sailed across Lake Michigan a few times.

Drinking is a big part of sailing. Except not while sailing I'm going to guess you won't be doing much to actually sail this boat. Maybe put up a sail or two, but thats just cranking a wench (handle).

I only get sea sick when we are barely moving, so I can't help with that. Find a spot on the horizon and stare at it if you do get sick. Oh, and puke with the wind, not upwind

I say drink up and enjoy the sail, its beautiful!

[Kit]

I got sick the one time I went sailing, but I'm known for getting motion sickness.

They do make non-drowsy Dramamine that you could take as a preventative measure, if you're concerned.

Despite getting sick, I did have a good time!

[nomad100]

I think on a boat that big you should probably be OK, especially if you haven't really gotten sick before.

Like a PP said if you start feeling icky, pick a point on the horizon and focus on that. It helps me.

Where in MI are these cruises? DH would love to go on one since he loves sailing.

[aprilsails]

I am so excited for you - I love sailing (obviously).

If you get motion sickness in cars, trains, planes or roller coaster rides, then I would suggest you take 1/2 of a gravol (or dramamine) before you head out if it is fairly windy that day (20mph winds). I have spent over a year at sea in larger boats and I often get sick, but I am very prone to motion sickness, and I actually find the motion of the Great Lakes to be worse (more bouncy) than the ocean. That being said, I never take Gravol since I am always the skipper or in charge so I don't like feeling out of it. I just puke and bring Arizona ginseng iced tea as my back-up.

Another trick is to stay on deck all the time (should be pretty easy to do), and if you do feel queasy look at the horizon facing into the wind and smile Take deep breaths in and out through your nose. If you are reaching the point of now return make sure you run over and puke on the leeward (or low) side of the boat.

I'm sure you'll be fine and enjoy your trip - I just love giving out seasickness advice. I'm a specialist of sorts.

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 25, 2013 14:10:25 GMT -5 livinitup said:

I love sailing. I never heard of being sea sick on a recreational boat for a few hours.

I guess anything can happen to anyone. But I'd be surprised if you had a problem. The main thing I don't like about seasick medicine is dry mouth.

LOLOL. Clearly you haven't met me.

OP, I personally would take Dramamine, but that's because I know I'm prone to sea sickness. It doesn't seem like you are, so you'll probably be fine.

[piper]

Jul 25, 2013 14:02:21 GMT -5 RoxMonster said:

It's a 44 foot boat and we will be out on open Lake Michigan.

Yeah I wouldn't want to be sleepy. Maybe I will chance it without anything.

You should be fine on a 44 footer. 

If you start to feel queasy, move to the middle of the boat.

[tdk2]

Are you on a 44' v bottom or catamaran for this trip?

Others gave good advice- horizon, wind in your face, etc. it should be an awesome trip. What city are You sailing out of?

[RoxMonster]

Jul 25, 2013 14:38:36 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

I think on a boat that big you should probably be OK, especially if you haven't really gotten sick before.

Like a PP said if you start feeling icky, pick a point on the horizon and focus on that. It helps me.

Where in MI are these cruises? DH would love to go on one since he loves sailing.

We're staying in South Haven. There are a few companies that do them there. One even does overnight cruises.

[iammalcolmx]

Jul 25, 2013 15:14:57 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

Yay sailing!

I don't know what Lake Michigan is like, but I never got sick on the Chesapeake Bay.

Bring Dramamine just in case, and also those wristband things.

::sigh:: I miss my summers in Annapolis and going up and down the Eastern Shore!!

[fryjack2]

Jul 25, 2013 15:29:46 GMT -5 RoxMonster said:

Jul 25, 2013 14:38:36 GMT -5 nomad100 said:

I think on a boat that big you should probably be OK, especially if you haven't really gotten sick before.

Like a PP said if you start feeling icky, pick a point on the horizon and focus on that. It helps me.

Where in MI are these cruises? DH would love to go on one since he loves sailing.

We're staying in South Haven. There are a few companies that do them there. One even does overnight cruises.

Go visit Saugatuck while you are there.  Such a cute little town.

[aprilsails]

Last piece of advice - if you can - steer the boat! It also settles an upset stomach. Otherwise have fun! Lake Michigan is beautiful and huge once you're out in the middle of it.

My favourite part of sailing is doing and teaching navigation. I'm doubtful (since it's a tour) that they will even be doing any since they are probably in an area which they are comfortable sailing in. Ask them to show you the charts, where you are and where you're going if you have a chance. I hope you have good weather!