How to sleep as a yachtsman? Advice from solo sailors

The importance of sleep for a yachtsman

Sleep is a fundamental component of human rest. The results of 153 studies involving more than 5 million people showed a direct link between lack of sleep and the risk of developing serious diseases.

In addition, lack of sleep affects decreased concentration, irritability and decision-making ability. A sailor cannot go to sea tired and inattentive - to complete a cruise or voyage it is important to have a good rest and sleep. 

Often the skipper on a yacht is the only one who knows how to steer it, but no one is able to be at the helm 24/7. What to do in this case?

The best advice for preserving nerve cells

The best option would be to anchor overnight, rest and continue the cruise in the morning. Don't worry, you will have time to complete the entire route planned for this week. In the end, it’s better to stay somewhere, but return alive and healthy. 

Haste, as well as lack of sleep, are the biggest enemies of a yachtsman. You definitely shouldn’t continue trying to complete the route if you already understand that you won’t make it in time.

No time for yacht moorings!

There are situations when it is impossible to postpone the passage of the section or push back the time of delivery of the boat. Well, then interval sleep will come to the rescue. Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who set the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world, shares his method for quality rest.

“I always try to get enough sleep. If the route is difficult, then I sleep for 90 minutes and wake up to check the condition of the yacht. If there is a need to do something, then I do it and go on to sleep. I use this sleep pattern even when sailing with a crew,” says Jean-Luc.

Note that the world record holder emphasizes the importance of rest. Even if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you should give your body and brain the opportunity to rest. Like Jean-Luc, if you have limited time, you can ask one of the crew members to wake you up at an agreed time. This way you will rest and be able to keep the situation under control. 

Scientists' views on the issue of sleep

The sleep process has been well studied by scientists. There are four stages of sleep known: three stages of slow-wave sleep and a stage of REM sleep. A complete sleep cycle, in which people go through all four stages, takes between 90 and 120 minutes, after which the cycle begins all over again. 

The most difficult stage for awakening is the third phase, preceding REM sleep. Additionally, waking up during slow-wave sleep may feel worse than waking up during REM sleep.

A 2007 study shows a direct correlation between lack of sleep and making riskier decisions and being more dismissive of danger.

Instead of a conclusion

Consider these factors before setting sail. Traveling with a crew can be challenging, but sometimes family cruises are made more challenging by the fact that you're the only skipper on board.

Quality rest will allow you to remain calm, confident and clear-headed. Don't neglect sleep, even in extreme situations. 

By the way, Laura Decker, a famous yachtswoman, spoke about this. “I sleep whenever I can, regardless of the time of day or duration of sleep. Never think: “Oh, I’ll go and sleep later.” At sea, everything changes very quickly, and there is a possibility that this very “later” will no longer exist,” Laura shares her opinion. 

She's absolutely right. Even if you're not into solo circumnavigation, rest and quality sleep are the keys to a successful cruise.

New video on the Interparus channel!

Do you dream of becoming a skipper? Sasha Goron will tell you about all the pitfalls of this profession and why it’s still worth getting a skipper’s license! Enjoy watching❤️

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26.03.2024