How to Gybe a Spinnaker

A spinnaker or jib is the front, often colorful, balloon-shaped sail of a sailboat. Gybing a spinnaker involves changing the course of direction or tack of a sailboat by changing the sails from one side of the boat to the other while sailing downwind. Gybing is more difficult than tacking because more control is required and more attention must be paid to the main sail. The helmsman must concentrate on steering the sailboat straight downwind.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check that the course is clear to get ready to gybe, and then shout to the crew, "Prepare to gybe." When the crew responds, "Ready to gybe," steer the boat to a dead run so that the boat is sailing downwind.

    • 2

      Direct the crew to center the mainsail and trim the spinnaker with the pole at a 90-degree angle to the center line.

    • 3

      Pull the tiller towards you while swinging the tiller extension to leeward. Be careful not to be struck by the boom as it swings towards the center line of the boat. Center the tiller and walk across the boat to the side facing the wind.

    • 4

      Direct the crew to unclip the pole from the mast and fasten the old sheet into the end of the gybed pole. The crew then clips the pole to the mast and adjusts the new sheet while ensuring that the spinnaker remains full.

    • 5

      Advise the crew to change positions to balance the boat. Steer the sailboat on the new course. Ensure that the crew also adjusts the centerboard or keel position and trims the spinnaker as required.