The Art of Sailing {and Seasickness}

Outfits 10 years ago The Art of Sailing {and Seasickness}

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'Christy' Lace Up Leather Flat

I used to dread boats. In fact, just the thought of getting on a boat made my stomach churn. Growing up with a bad case of mal de mer has inhibited me my entire life. It strikes at the most inopportune times: Taxiing from Heathrow to the hotel, driving to the beach with friends, taking off in an airplane… and don’t even get me started on roller coasters {can’t ride them!}. I can’t quite pinpoint exactly how or when I will get sick, but when I do I am usually down for the count. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was even able to step foot on a boat and the only way I can do so now is by using a Transderm patch that was prescribed by my doctor.

When the crew from the Fairmont Hamilton Princess said they had a boat day situated for us, I was truly divided between feeling thrilled and terrified for I hadn’t packed my trusty patch! I didn’t want to make a fuss or insult the incredible hospitality that they were offering, but I have to admit that when they said we were taking a 2 hour sunset sail I was incredibly nervous that I’d fall ill.

Step by step we neared closer and closer to the dock as my nerves rose up into my throat. Certainly my friends could see through me? Maybe not. But as the sails rose I found that the wind, and my spirits, lifted. There is something so romantic about cutting through the ocean on a sail boat. Sailing requires a labor of love that goes into the journey versus cruising easily on a motorboat. You can’t just hit cruise control on a sailboat. The connection to nature is of upmost importance and each day, each sail, is completely different depending on the weather. Thankfully, this sail was a exceptional one that included calm waters, high winds and happy spirits.