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.