{"id":747,"date":"2026-05-01T14:42:30","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=747"},"modified":"2026-05-01T14:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:42:30","slug":"how-i-finally-conquered-a-lifetime-of-seasickness-to-become-a-yacht-skipper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=747","title":{"rendered":"How I finally conquered a lifetime of seasickness to become a yacht skipper"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is seasickness all in the mind? Nobody who\u2019s suffered can doubt that it\u2019s a real, physical problem. But could a new \u2018brain training\u2019 approach offer a solution? Kristina Rechenbach explains all<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Seasickness is surprisingly common \u2013 around one in three people are estimated to suffer from it, including long-term cruisers and even professional sailors. While numerous remedies and medications offer temporary relief, they often fail to address the root causes.<\/p>\n

Norwegian psychologist Thomas Bickhardt believes that understanding and mitigating seasickness involves complex interactions between perception, the nervous system, and individual experiences. He spent 30 years researching with professional seafarers on Norway\u2019s harsh west coast to understand the phenomenon. Bickhardt founded the \u2018TilliT\u2019 Institute in 2022 and now teaches a new approach to overcoming seasickness, known as the TilliT method.<\/p>\n

An unsolvable problem<\/h2>\n

From my very first sailing experience I loved being at sea \u2013 the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, and the disconnect from everyday life. But seasickness was my constant companion from the outset. I experimented with various medications and home remedies, and sought advice from every sailor I encountered. The old seafarers\u2019 adage that seasickness subsides after a few days simply didn\u2019t hold true for me.<\/p>\n

As I sailed more, I meticulously observed my triggers, considered hull shapes and sizes, scrutinised weather forecasts and routes. Some strategies provided temporary relief, but I never fully overcame the issue.<\/p>\n

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Being on deck in fresh air with a view of the horizon \u2013 whatever the weather \u2013 can often help lessen seasickness symptoms. Photo: Richard Langdon\/Ocean Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

I adapted by structuring my onboard routine to minimise time spent below deck. Every trip to the heads, every meal, every course change was precisely timed. Unexpected changes in conditions were difficult to manage. My skippers and crew were always aware of the risk and supported me when I became incapacitated. But despite their support, I often felt like a burden. My inability to resolve this issue was deeply frustrating and draining.<\/p>\n

Nervous confusion<\/h2>\n

Our nervous system relies on multiple sources of information to maintain balance. It receives input from the vestibular system \u2013 the inner ear and body receptors \u2013 that perceive orientation and movement. Visual information also plays a crucial role. Experiences build perception: when our eyes see a room with straight lines \u2013 doors, windows, furniture \u2013 the brain assumes we are in a stationary building.<\/p>\n

When these signals to our brain are conflicting \u2013 for example, below deck on a moving yacht \u2013 the nervous system will react. The eyes signal a stable environment, while the vestibular system detects motion. This discrepancy triggers a survival mode leading to seasickness symptoms in
\nsome sufferers.<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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Seasickness cure: Could VR be the future?<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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A true seasickness cure has long been hoped for as the debilitating problem has followed sailors for centuries. Charles Darwin\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n