Set the scene:
A gybe is done when you are sailing downwind and where we turn the back of the boat through the no go zone. In this instance the sails will not flap, they will just fill from on the other side. This is also a turn that involves a smaller angle than the tack. Unlike a tack you can also aim for an area in which you are going to end up in but you cannot have a pinpoint position.
Aft-main
First ensure you are on a training run.
Then similar to the tack you need to check the area into which you are going to turn into, this time it will be under the boom and jib. Also check behind you to ensure there is nothing coming up quickly.
Take the mainsheet in one handful just so that the boom is clear of the shrouds.
Warn the crew of your intensions, by saying ‘stand by to gybe’. The crew will then check the centreboard and jib and also have a quick check of the same areas to ensure that they are clear. They will then reply ‘standing by’ or ‘yes’.
Have one last check into the area that you are turning.
Swap your hands by clamping the mainsheet in your back hand and tacking the tiller extension in your front hand.
Ensure that all of your mainsheet is tucked back under the tiller so it is not around your feet.
Take your feet from under the toe-straps, and take your front foot and lead across the boat with this foot.
Next move into the boat putting the tiller extension over to the new side without moving the tiller. Move into the middle of the boat while staying low in the boat, say ‘gybe ho’ and push the tiller extension back to the side you were sitting on.
As soon as the boom starts to move straighten the tiller and sit down on the new side and sail on.
Centre main
Firstly ensure you are on a training run.
Similar to the tack you need to check the area into which you are going to turn into, this time it will be under the boom and jib and behind you to ensure there is nothing coming up quickly.
Take the mainsheet in one handful just so that the boom is clear of the shrouds.
Warn the crew of your intensions, by saying ‘stand by to gybe’. The crew will then check the centreboard and jib and also have a quick check of the same areas to ensure that they are clear. They will then reply ‘standing by’ or ‘yes’.
Take another quick look to check that it is still clear.
Take you feet out from under the toe-straps and you are going to lead with your back foot again. Rotate the tiller extension over to the new side but do not move the tiller. Move into the centre of the boat and crouch low.
Push the tiller extension back towards the side on which you were sitting on, with your front hand guiding the falls of the main across the boat. You do not need to pull the falls across.
As soon as the boom starts to move straighten up the tiller and sit down on the new side, with you hand still behind your back.
Then take your mainsheet hand with palm facing towards the back of the boat on to the end of the tiller extension, so you are holding both the mainsheet and tiller extension in the same hand. Then take the mainsheet in front of you and separate your hands and bring the tiller extension up under your arm and in front of you in a dagger grip and sail away.
