A controlled gybe in 20 knots is the mark of a skilled crew. Here is the sequence that keeps the kite flying and the boat upright.
The spinnaker gybe is the manoeuvre that separates racing crews from cruising crews — or, more accurately, confident sailors from anxious ones. The physics are straightforward; the choreography requires practice.
Equipment check
Before a gybe, confirm the gybe sheets are clear and led correctly, the foreguy (downhaul) is ready to be eased, and the crew knows their roles. A confused crew is the leading cause of a gybe gone wrong.
The sequence
1. Helmsman gives the call "stand by to gybe." Crew takes up positions — trimmer on the new sheet, foredeck ready to pull the new pole. 2. "Gybe-ho" — the helm bears away to dead downwind. The mainsail is pulled to centreline by the crew to prevent an accidental slam. 3. The pole is taken off the mast and clipped to the new sheet in a continuous motion. The sail must be supported throughout by careful sheet trimming. 4. The mainsail is eased to the new side as the boom crosses. Do not let it slam. 5. The new pole is attached to the mast and the foreguy set. Trim for the new course.
Heavy air technique
In breeze above 15 knots, keeping the boat flat is the primary objective. The helmsman must maintain a dead downwind angle throughout; any deviation to windward during the gybe will load up the kite and increase the risk of a broach. The trimmer feathers the sheet continuously to prevent the sail from going completely square.
The drop
Plan the drop early. A gybe directly before a drop is high-risk. If possible, gybe onto the correct tack well before the leeward mark and sail a clean approach.