Sail training is all about having fun while learning more about the different aspects of life at sea. In spite of all the postive things that come along with sailing, it still is challenging to live on board a sailing vessel sometimes. Since I started sailing nine years ago, I have struggled with sea sickness occasionally, and there are times druing these voyages that are stressful and tiring. Therefore it is important to try to stay healthy, and take care of both the body and mind during the trip. I came across some good tips regarding health and traveling, and figured that I would share some of these with you. Enjoy!
1. Stay hydrated- I know I have mentioned this a hundred times before, but I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to stay hydrated during a sailing voyage. Sailing means staying active for hours at a time, in addition to being outside most of the day, so remember to drink plenty of water!
2. Safety first- If you have a day where you are extra tired, give your body some time to rest, and make sure to not push yourself too hard. Sail training is tough, and in order to get the most out of the journey, it is important to let your body rest and regain its strength.
3. Take your vitamins- This might sound a bit odd, but even though you get plenty of vitamin sea, some of the other vitamins should also be included in your packing list. A lot of people get cramps while sleeping in hammocks/ small bunk beds for example, so it can be smart to bring along some magnesium, which helps relaxing the muscles.
4. Take a shower- Well, this sounds like the most obvious thing ever, but trust me, showering is easier at land than at sea. There are certain days where the weather might be bad, or you might be seasick, and just aren’t keen on moving around a lot. A nice and warm shower might make you feel better, so it is definetly something you should do.
5. Sleep, sleep, sleep- As I have mentioned earlier, enough sleep is definetly a key to a successful sail training voyage. A lot of hard work, combined with hours of concentrating on the different tasks on board is tiring for the body. Take a nap when you are off duty, even during daytime!
6. Protect your skin- We all love a good tan, but there is such a thing as too much sun. You do not want to be putting on a harness or hoist the sails while being covered in red blisters. Make sure your sun block game is strong!
7. Indulge a little- Part of taking care of your body and mind is enjoying yourself. Seriously, live a little! Travelling (and sailing) will change your life, and part of that process means experiencing the wonders of the world. Don’t be afraid to be a little selfish and reward your psyche with a well-earned treat after a hard day’s work.
Fair winds,
– Eline
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