Jibe (Gybe)

A jibe (or gybe, in British usage) is a turn that brings the stern of the boat through the wind, swinging the boom from one side of the boat to the other. Jibes happen downwind and can be much faster than tacks, but they require careful control — an uncontrolled jibe can break rigging or injure crew. The standard practice is to sheet the mainsail in before the turn, let it cross under control, then ease it out on the new side.