Gybing

GYBING DOWNWIND

Gybing is the maneuver of changing tacks downwind It involves taking the stern of the boat through the eye of the wind. As the boat turns and the stern comes through the eye of the wind, the sails must be brought across to the opposite side of the boat.

Gybing is a maneuver that must be controlled! As the boat is turned, the boom must be controlled as it passes over the boat. If there is more than very little wind, the boom can swing across the boat with tremendous force. Crew members could be injured or the rig could be damaged in an uncontrolled situation. You can prevent mishap simply by pulling in the mainsheet and easing it out again as be boom passes from side to side.

Procedures for Gybing

Figure 1. When the boat is on a broad reach, (wind off stern quarter) the boat will be turned to where the centerline of the boat will pass through the eye of the wind. The helmsman gives the command: "Prepare to Gybe."

Figure 2. On that command, both main and jib are sheeted in close to the centerline of the boat.

Figure 3. As the boat turns further, the wind crosses to the other side. The sails are carefully eased out to their proper position for the new heading in Figures 4 and 5.

Note: As the boom nears the centerline, the helmsman commands: "Gybe Ho." Ths alerts the crew that the boom will be crossing over.

Caution: The sails should be controlled while crossing over the boat. They should not be allowed to swing on their own.