A tip for gybing

Picked up this little tip the other day while gybing in moderate winds (15+ kts), all you experienced sailors probably know this already...

I was sailing downwind, main traveller all the way out, mainsail sheeted way out. Had to change directions slightly, which would require the boom to come across and the sail to fill on the other side.

So I brought the traveller back to near center, began sheeting in the main, all the while maintaining a course slightly off from downwind to keep the sail full. When the main was mostly sheeted in, I moved myself over to the other side, grabbed both lines (from the block and from the traveller), decleated both, and initiated my gyb. As the boom came across (rather quickly obviously) I was able to absorb some of the shock and jolt from the wind catching the main by loosening my grip on the lines ever so slightly. Gloves recommended.. Was able to then continue my new course, letting both the traveller and mainsheet out. The boat didn't lurch (and the rigging take such a shock) on the gyb nearly as much as if the lines had remained cleated.

Just passing it on, hoping other skippers out there find it useful.

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KU
'79 H16
#64048
#58757

Before you initiate the turn, pull the traveler in slightly (does not need to be close to center, just in far enough that you can reach the mainsheet while kneeling in the center of the boat). Then grab the bundle of mainsheet lines between the blocks rather than just the single line that exits the cleat. Turn the boat downwind to start the gybe. As the boat turns, simultaneously throw the mainsheet system across to the new leeward side. If it's really windy, you will need to steer the boat back downwind after flipping the sail in order to prevent rounding up and capsizing.

The key is that YOU are controlling the sail's transition to the new side. The trick to pulling off a good gybe is maintaining speed as well as timing the throw of the mainsheet system. If done properly, there will be no banging or slamming, even in 20 knots of breeze.

sm

Hey thanks for this guys. I had a capsize last year while gybing and I couldn't figure out what I did wrong.

Replaying it afterwards I thought we either didn't transfer weight properly, or I didn't uncleat the main, or both.

SRM: Do you uncleat the main while before you throw the main sheet bundle over? That is, once the boom is over and the main sheet bundle is on the new side is the main sheet cleated or not?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Does't really matter if its cleated or not. The sheet is usually out quite far to begin with. I usually uncleat out of habit, but if it happens to re-cleat mid turn I don't worry about it.

sm

Great, thanks buddy!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

sm:
Thanks for the additional tip. I'll try your method, see how it goes. Just to clarify, as the boat is turning and the boom is coming across, is THAT when you throw the mainsheet bundle across. Sounds like the timing has to be right on. And a turn downwind will also help to stabilize, correct? Thanks again

Jman: sorry about your capsize, hope nothing broke.

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KU
'79 H16
#64048
#58757

Hey Badgerfan,

Unbelievable, but there was no damage..see for yourself, it's an interesting read if I do say so myself :

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=29617

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'