| The maneuver known as the jibe is the act of | | | | helmsman by shouting "Ready!" |
| turning the boat whereby the stern of the boat | | | | 3. The helmsman then shouts, "Helms Over!" and |
| crosses through the wind. This can be more | | | | turns the boat by pulling the tiller or turning the |
| challenging than the tack maneuver and when | | | | wheel to windward. The crew then releases the |
| learning to sail, the proper way to jibe is | | | | old sheet as the headsail moves across the |
| paramount because of its importance in crew | | | | foredeck and the new sheet pulled in and cleated. |
| safety and equipment preservation. In light winds, | | | | At the same time, the traveler and mainsheet |
| allowing the boom to sweep from one side of the | | | | should be eased and cleated at the appropriate |
| boat to the other may not be a big deal. But in | | | | trim. This is typically done by the helmsman. |
| heavy winds, this prevents a hazard to both crew | | | | Again, in lighter winds, letting the boom swing |
| and equipment and a more controlled jibe should | | | | across may be acceptable but care should be |
| be executed. The following are three steps in | | | | taken in making sure all crew and guests are out |
| performing a safe jibe: | | | | of the way of the boom. Even light winds can |
| 1. The helmsman lets his crew know of his | | | | cause enough force and momentum to injure |
| intention by declaring "Prepare to jibe!" The | | | | someone or damage the boats rigging. For |
| mainsheet and traveler should then be pulled in to | | | | beginners, the safer method of bringing the boom |
| centerline. | | | | to centerline should always be practiced, no |
| 2. The crew should then prepare the new winch | | | | matter of wind speed. In time and with |
| by placing a couple of wraps of the headsail sheet | | | | experience, the crew will know in what winds and |
| on the drum. The other crew is responsible for | | | | under what conditions it is safe to perform a free |
| uncleating the working sheet and holding tension. | | | | swing boom jibe. |
| When the crew is ready, they should notify the | | | | |