Information AboutGybe |
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A jibe (also spelled '''gybe''') is when a sailing boat (yacht) turns its Stern through the wind, such that the direction of the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. Contrast with Tack ing, which is turning the Bow of the boat through the wind. Wearing ship is the term used in Tall Ship s for '''jibing'''. A jibe can generally be completed more quickly than a tack because the boat never turns into the wind, where the sails provide no forward force. Thus the vessel typically loses less speed because its sails stay full during the maneuver. However, a jibe can be more dangerous than a tack (turning head into the wind) because, as the boat turns, the Leeward side of the sail and Boom suddenly catches the wind. This can cause the boom to swing across violently and the boat to heel. This can be the cause of severe injury to anyone standing in the path of the boom as it sweeps across the boat. It may also put stress on the rigging of the boat. To prevent this from happening, on a small boat, the boom is often guided across the boat by hand as the stern of the boat crosses the direction of the wind. On a larger boat the Mainsheet is tightened during the turn to limit the range of movement of the boom (see Preventer ). Once on the new course the mainsheet is released and the Mainsail trimmed. These techniques prevent the boom from swinging unexpectedly. Accidental jibes may occur when on a course that is running almost completely downwind if the wind catches the leeward side of the sail. See Broach . See also: Points Of Sail SEE ALSO |