Gybe
A sailing manoeuvre in which the stern passes through the wind and the sails change from one side to the other.
A gybe occurs with the true wind abaft the beam and may be deliberate or accidental. As the wind changes sides, a boom or other sail-handling equipment can cross the vessel rapidly and the sails and rigging can experience high shock loads.
Controlled techniques use coordinated steering and sail controls to limit speed and load, but the correct sequence depends on the vessel, rig, conditions and crew. People should remain clear of the boom, mainsheet and loaded lines, and a preventer must be rigged and released through a planned system. ‘Jibe’ is the usual United States spelling.
Tacking versus gybing
| Manoeuvre | What passes through the wind? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Tacking | The bow | Change tack when sailing upwind, for example between close-hauled legs. |
| Gybing (jibing) | The stern | Change tack when sailing downwind, with coordinated steering and control of the boom. |
For example, a boat on a broad reach may gybe onto a broad reach on the other tack. The sails change sides as the stern passes through the wind. Turning the bow through the wind instead is a tack. Use the Points of Sail Trainer to recognise the headings, and practise manoeuvres with an instructor using the procedure for your boat.
