Gybe

A manoeuvre in which a sailing vessel changes course by moving the stern through the wind, causing the sail to shift from one side to the other.

A gybe (also spelled “jibe” in American English) is a sailing manoeuvre used when a vessel is running with the wind, meaning the wind is coming from behind the boat. Unlike tacking, where the bow of the boat passes through the wind, a gybe involves turning the stern of the boat through the wind. This results in the sails moving from one side of the boat to the other. The gybe is considered more challenging and potentially hazardous than a tack, particularly in strong winds, because the sail can swing across the boat with significant force. If not controlled properly, this can lead to damage to the rigging or even injury to the crew. 

To perform a controlled gybe, the helmsman must carefully steer the boat while the crew manages the sails. As the boat turns, the mainsail will eventually catch the wind on the opposite side, and the boom (the horizontal pole attached to the bottom of the mainsail) will swing across the deck. This movement must be anticipated and controlled, often by “easing” the sail out before the gybe and then quickly pulling it back in once the manoeuvre is complete. Gybes are often necessary when sailing downwind, especially when the boat needs to change direction but cannot tack due to the wind’s position.