Do you have to justify days spent on the water – to your family? your boss? yourself? Is it not just egotistical hedonism, an escape from responsibilities? Maybe, but now researchers have discovered scientifically (which we privately knew all along) that sailing is actually the same as going to a health farm (and cheaper, probably, depending on the yacht). Here are the results, brought to you by Dr Gillian McKeith, who was focussing on healthy foods, but here’s what she said as well:
The sound and feel of sea water:
Research shows that the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a deeply relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate the mind and body.
Most people in good weather on boats, do a lot of swimming. Floating in water means blood is diverted around from our lower limbs and pumped towards our abdominal region – the part of the body near the heart – because we are no longer standing upright. Fresh blood being pumped around the body brings more oxygen to our brain which makes us more alert and active.
The researchers also analysed the effects of the individual compounds in seawater and said that two of them – salt and potassium chloride are the main healers. They seal the damaged skin and allow it to mend.
The researchers also claimed that bathing in seawater increases the elasticity of the skin, and improves its outer appearance.
Fresh air for sleep
If you’ve ever wondered why we always sleep more soundly after spending the day sailing, it’s because of the sea air. Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance levels of seratonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress. Which is why after a sailing adventure you feel more alert, relaxed and energised.
Sun for feeling good and skin conditions
When we’re lying on the deck, the heat of the sun affects our endocrine system – the part of our body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals in our body designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed.
And, a certain amount of sun can be good for some skin complaints such as psoriasis – a chronic skin disease where scaly pink pataches form on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Ultra violet radiation (UV light) is a common treatment for this skin complaint, says Dr Rodney O’Donnell, a doctor who is involved in studying the health effects of the Dead Sea. This is because a small amount of ultra violet radiation from the sun’s rays helps dry the skin, making it flake off and allowing healing to take place.
9 Essential Health Benefits of Yacht Sailing
Whether you’re sailing on a yacht to relax or driving at high rates of speed against different motorboats, sailing is definitely a brilliant activity for your overall health and fitness. You will be controlling a huge vessel, but at the same time, you’re looking continuously to nature’s most beautiful components, that can be a strong power and help to enhance your mental and physical state.
Here are the key 9 health benefits associated with sailing:
Increased Stamina

There are several workout forms involved when sailing a yacht. When you tug the vessel or yacht, you increase the muscle stamina in the upper portion of your back and shoulders.
Improved Cardiovascular Health

When you sail a yacht rental Dubai, it indirectly helps in enhancing your cardiovascular health. It decreases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity as well as other diseases. Those who involve themselves in extreme exercises such as sailing, the oxygen intake increases, further enhancing the flow of blood and boosting overall health.
Improved Emotional State

A day away from your regular activities and daily struggles causes your mind to be transported to a Zen island. A relaxed mindset helps in boosting your mental health.

Promotes Alertness

The tasks involved in sailing are known to make you more adaptable and agile. Activities such as tugging or lifting sails help in enhancing dexterity and engine skills.
Improved Attentiveness

In today’s day and time, it has become mandatory for individuals to multitask. Here, however, sailing requires people to be attentive, and this can only be achieved by staying safe while sailing.
Boosts Communication Skills

While controlling the yacht, it is vital for the team and captain to work collaboratively and with perfect coordination. In order to achieve this, they need to build on their communication as well as non-verbal skills.

Encourages Spatial Understanding

The sailing sport requires the participant to learn about the motorboat element alongside the area needed to move the watercraft. With sailing, you will, however, have an improved understanding of how much space anything takes with sailing.
Decreased Level of Anxiety

The sounds of water splashing as you cruise through the sea, creates a positive impact on your mood. It calms and relaxes the mind and releases uneasiness and tension from the individual.
Improved Organizational Skills

When you are on a yacht, it demands everything to be kept in the right order. Eventually, you adapt this skill and implement in your daily routine. You will be more inclined towards performing activities in the right manner.