How to Gybe (aka Jibe) a Sail Boat

If you want to refine jibing/gybing IRL, get yourself on one of our ASA courses, as this is a critical skill for your 103/104 certification, as taught in our Intermediate Course :) [ Ссылка ]

Introduction
Gybing (aka Jibing) is turning a boat so its stern passes through the wind. It is the opposite of a tack.
The angle that the boat will turn in a typical gybe is around 60-100 degrees
Two types of gybing are covered here: standard jibe and slam jibe
Some people are afraid of gybing. However, it is fine if a decent method is followed.
When hearing the term “gybe”, think “mainsheet”. This is the most important line in a gybe.
Gybing the foresail is no big deal, just don’t dump the old working sheet (if the sail goes in front of the boat, it could take you ages to get it back in)
If all else fails, wear round (other names for this are Chicken Gybe and perhaps Wending)

Pre-Gybe
Helm brings the boat to between a broad reach and dead run. Then the helm makes the call “Prepare To Gybe” (or whatever is agreed on your boat - some people prefer "Standby To Gybe")
Secure the traveller
Get out of the “hot zone” (where the mainsheet will cross the boat)
Don’t sit on the coamings (above the seat in a cockpit) or else you may get intimate with a winch.

Standard Gybe Steps
Bring the mainsheet in so the boom is near the center
Helm makes the call “Turning” then starts the turn
Mainsheet trimmer removes the handle
Helm makes call “Gybe…. HO” with the HO happening when the leech flips over
Helm counter-steers to ensure the boat stays on a straight heading
Mainsheet trimmer eases the mainsheet
Ease foresail working sheet while taking in on the opposite sheet

Slam Gybe Steps
Ensure the mainsheet zone is clear and traveller is centered
Put the vang on in order to pull down the boom (and tension the leech)
Helm makes the call “Standby to Gybe”, then “Turning” at which point he starts the turn
Make sure someone (it could be the helm) guides the mainsheet across

Smooth Gybe
You want to keep the speed of your boat up during a gybe
This reduces the stress on your rigging and makes the gybe much smoother
Bring the mainsheet in, and just when it’s close to center, start the turn
As soon as the gybe-ho call happens, ease out the mainsheet and counter-turn the wheel.

Summary
Gybing is safe if done properly
Lock your traveler, think about the mainsheet
Counter-turn as soon as the boat gybes, to stop risk of heading straight into a close haul on teh other tack
Ease that mainsheet as soon as the boat gybes
Be clear on your calls
Have fun!

Sailor cred - thanks to our crew (alphabetical order):
Ardit Skora, David Granat, Leonardo Moreira, Michael Nasca, Paula Lopez

Video cred:
Thanks Forrest Ladkin you legend, and thanks Celine for the transitions/titles
Email forrest@sailingvirgins.com if you want to get in touch with Forrest direct.

Music cred:
(00:02) Bassackwards by Kurt Vile
(05:34) Brad Sucks by Bad Signs
(09:22) Above the Clouds (feat. Olivia Reid) by SŸDE

You can find these songs and more in our Sailing Virgins Spotify playlist: [ Ссылка ]

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