Gybing with a spinnaker
1The lesson in plain words
Gybing an asymmetric means passing the sail round the front; a symmetric needs the pole moved across. Keep the sail flying and the main controlled.
Asymmetric gybe
The tack stays at the bow. Only the clew crosses. As you bear away towards a run, let the old sheet run so the clew moves forward of the forestay before the main crosses. Trim the new sheet as you complete the turn.
Inside or outside
For an inside gybe, lead the lazy sheet (the unloaded sheet) between the forestay and tack line; the clew passes between forestay and luff. Check there is enough clearance for the clew and sail to pass freely. For an outside gybe, lead it ahead of the tack line; the clew passes outside the luff. Outside gybes need longer sheets. Choose a method that suits your tack position and bow clearance, then check the sheet leads and brief the crew before turning.
Symmetric: end-for-end
With a compatible double-ended pole, an end-for-end gybe swaps the pole ends. Stabilise near a run. The old leeward sheet becomes the new guy. Trimmers unload the pole; ease the downhaul so it can move. Keep the pole supported by its topping lift. Unclip the mast end and clip it to the new guy. Unclip the other end from the old guy and attach it to the mast. Reset the pole controls and trim.
Symmetric: dip-pole
In a dip-pole gybe, the mast end stays attached. Each corner has a sheet and guy; lazy means unloaded. Near a run, transfer the old guy’s load to its lazy sheet; both sheets now fly the sail. Ease the foreguy and adjust the topping lift; raise the mast end if needed for clearance. Remove the unloaded old guy from the pole jaw, dip the outer end inside the forestay and clip in the new guy. Raise the pole, reset its controls and load the new guy.
Main and preventer
Coordinate with the mainsail trimmer. Release the preventer before the gybe and re-rig it on the new side once settled. Use your practised controlled mainsail gybe. In strong wind, drop the spinnaker before gybing; re-hoist only if conditions and crew control allow.
2Step by step
Gybing an asymmetric
- 1
Release the preventer; check the lazy sheet is clear and has turns on its winch.
A preventer stops the main crossing; a fouled sheet stops the sail.
- 2
Call the gybe and bear away steadily towards a run.
A steady turn keeps the sail full and the crew in step.
- 3
Let the old sheet run as you approach a run, before the main crosses.
The clew needs to move forward of the forestay before the main crosses.
- 4
Coordinate with the mainsail trimmer; trim the new sheet as you complete the turn.
The sail fills on the new side without being pinned by the old sheet.
- 5
Settle on the new broad reach, finish trimming and re-rig the preventer.
The boat settles on the new course with the sails controlled.
3Key data
- Asymmetric gybe
- Tack stays; clew passes the forestay; release old, trim new
- Inside gybe
- Clew passes between luff and forestay
- Outside gybe
- Clew passes outside the luff; longer sheets
- End-for-end
- Requires a compatible double-ended pole; swap its ends
- Dip-pole
- Inboard end stays on mast; outer end dips inside forestay
4Key points
- 1
Asymmetric: let the old sheet run so the clew moves forward before the main crosses; trim the new sheet as you turn.
- 2
Check tack position, clearance and sheet leads for an inside or outside gybe before you start.
- 3
Use the method your pole system supports: end-for-end or dip-pole.
- 4
Coordinate the sails; preventer off before the gybe and re-rigged afterwards.
- 5
In strong wind, drop before gybing; re-hoist only if conditions and crew control allow.
5Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Hold the old sheet until the main has crossed.
Right: Let it run as you approach a run so the clew moves forward of the forestay before the main crosses; trim the new sheet as you complete the turn.
Wrong: Forget the preventer during a spinnaker gybe.
Right: A preventer left on pins the main aback. Release it before the gybe, re-rig it afterwards.
6Practice case & exam keys
Before an asymmetric gybe, you find the new sheet trapped under deck gear. Gusts are increasing and the crew are struggling. The helm suggests turning first and clearing it afterwards.
Show the answer
Do not start the gybe with a trapped sheet. Hold a safe course while you clear it. If the crew cannot manage the sail, drop it before changing gybe. Before any re-hoist, reassess the wind and crew. When gybing under spinnaker, let the old sheet run so the clew moves forward of the forestay before the main crosses; trim the new sheet as you complete the turn.
Exam keys
- Asymmetric gybe: release old sheet before the main crosses; trim new fast.
- Inside or outside: check tack position, clearance and sheet leads.
- Symmetric: end-for-end with a compatible pole, or dip-pole.
- Preventer off before the gybe; re-rig after.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
My notes for this unit
No notes