Jibing in high winds

I was out yesterday in 23 mph winds with gusts at about 30 mph (I apologize for those of you who think in knots). Once when jibing, (or trying to jibe), instead of swinging over from port to starboard as I had intended, the main actually folded around the port shroud and was bent blowing forward. I had to grab the main sheet with my hands and pull it over until it caught the wind and jibed around. This made for a really nasty transition when the sail finally came round.

Any advice for jibing winds of that speed? Thanks!

Sailing with speed into the jibe... Steer slowly down wind and grab the mainsheet in one handfull / bundle up near the boom blocks. Pull down and across and ease out again before letting go... don't let it slam across. It can help to move the traveler in a bit and even sheet in as you near DDW (Dead Down Wind).

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

If I'm trying to do a really controlled jibe due to kids on board, etc., I sheet in the traveler and sheet all the way.

If it's too windy, tacking instead is always a non-racing option.

--Doug