How to conquer the wind: jibe features

Any yachtsman knows that wishing for a “fair wind”, although traditional, in reality promises more problems than good. Despite the fact that, it would seem, a tailwind should facilitate the movement of a sailboat, in reality this is not entirely true.

In reality, gybe is not only not the fastest course relative to the wind, but also a course that often requires increased attention and good helmsman skills. Among the required skills is the ability to manage additional sails (spinnaker, gennaker, genoa or classic staysail). But what else does the skipper need to know or do when the yacht is gybeating?

Team coordination

This point, in principle, is the key to the success of any cruise in any weather conditions, but the gybe, like nothing else in practice, will show the cohesion of the team and show the organizational skills of the skipper.

It is essential that the crew know the specific sequence of actions to be taken when the boat is sailing full sail, as well as the commands that the skipper will give.

Everyone on deck!

If we are talking about participation in long regattas or about a long sea passage, then in the case of jibe it is necessary that the yacht and its course be monitored more closely. It should be ensured that the yacht does not yaw much, otherwise you can lie on the other tack, and this will be followed by an involuntary gybe and then the mainsail will be thrown to the other side.

Plus, the wind speed can be high enough that most, if not all, of the crew members will be required to control the sails. If you have a gennaker, then make sure that nothing interferes with the sail, because during the gybe, there is a lot of pressure on the headsail.  

Make sure everyone is ready

Before starting the gybe maneuver, make sure that all crew members are in their places and ready. Everyone, starting from the forecastle sailor, must confirm their readiness. 

Do not forget that your forecastle can and should help you - after all, he watches the headsail, and also has a view of the side that is closed from the helmsman's sail. After the helmsman (skipper) receives a signal of readiness, you can start the maneuver.

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sail position

The most important thing in jibe is windage adjustment. There are situations when jibe can be impossible in principle due to the strength of the wind, its direction and wave.

In jibe the sails must be adjusted to the wind so that the wind fills them from behind. So the sails will receive the maximum possible amount of air. It is important to ensure that the tension is stable and uniform - wrinkles and wrinkles on the surface of the sail should be avoided and minimized. 

For comfortable sailing in gybe, it is necessary to reduce the angle of attack, i.e. the angle between the direction of the wind and the direction of the sail. Ideally, the plane of the sail should be perpendicular to the line of the wind. In this way, the airflow can provide maximum support force.

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08.08.2023