GYBE

 

A SWITCH OF SAILSIDE ,WHERE THE STERN OF THE SHIP  TURNS THROUGH THE WIND.
THE WHOLE MANOEUVRE IS A TURN WHICH BEGINS EN ENDS ON A BROAD REACH.   
THE FORCES ON THE RIGG AND BOAT ARE MUCH BIGGER DURING A GYBE THAN DURING TACKING. THEREFORE THERE ARE ALSO GREATER RISKS INVOLVED.  
AN UNCONTROLLED GYBE IN STRONG WINDS CAN CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO CREW AND SHIP. 



GYBING A SAILBOAT


GYBE IN 4 STEPS:


- 1  READY FOR GYBE:
 
LOOK IF THERE SPACE ON THE LEEWARD SIDE
  CHECK IF MAIN SHEET IS CLEAR OF OBSTUCTIONS
 
START THE TURN BY SLOWLY BEAR AWAY
   (RELEASE THE MAIN SHEET)

- 2  GYBING
     START THE TURN BY SLOWLY BEAR AWAY 
     (EASE OUT THE MAIN SHEET) 

     WHEN POINT OF SAIL IS CLOSE TO RUNNING:
     -HELMSMAN MOVES TO THE OTHER SIDE , PULLS
     IN THE MAIN SHEET , WHILE THE BOAT STILL TURNS
     - BRING JIB TO WINDWARD SIDE  (WING ON WING)


- 3   GYBE-HO
       WHEN THE WIND CATCHES THE NEW SIDE OF THE         MAINSAIL :
      - THE BOOM COMES OVER THE CENTER
      - RELEASE THE MAINSHEET (LET GO !)
      - HOLD THE TILLER FIRMLY, TO STOP THE TURN              

- 4  SLOWLY HEAD UP TO  A NEW POINT OF SAIL 
       (BRING IN / TRIM  SHEETS)