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Basic maneuvers

  • Writer: Sailing Munich
    Sailing Munich
  • May 15, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 18



Sailing is a conversation between the boat, the wind, and the crew. Nowhere is this conversation more critical than when we change direction.

To the untrained eye, turning the boat looks simple. But as we teach at Sailing Munich, there are two distinct animals: the Tack and the Gybe. Understanding the physics—and the commands—is mandatory for every crew member.

1. The Tack (Upwind)

Tacking is turning the bow through the wind. It is generally a low-stress maneuver because the boat is turning into the wind, which naturally slows the boat down. The sails flap (luff) before filling on the new side.

The Command Sequence: Good seamanship sounds like a script. Everyone must know their line.

  1. "READY ABOUT"

    • Captain: Asks the crew if they are ready.

    • Crew: Checks lines, clears winches, and replies "Ready."

  2. "HELM TO LEE"

    • Captain: Announces the start of the turn. The tiller/wheel is pushed to leeward (away from the wind), forcing the bow up.

  3. "LEE HO"

    • Crew: As the boat passes head-to-wind and the jib backwinds, release the old sheet and pull in the new one.



2. The Gybe (Downwind)

Gybing (or Jibing) is turning the stern through the wind. This is a high-energy maneuver. Because you are sailing with the wind, the boat speed remains high. The boom is fully out and must swing across the entire boat to the other side. If uncontrolled, this swinging boom acts like a baseball bat—dangerous to crew and rigging.

Method A: The Standard Cruising Gybe (Safety First) This is the method we use on our Bavaria and Beneteau yachts to ensure absolute control.

  1. Center the Main: Haul the mainsheet in until the boom is near the centerline. This prevents the boom from accelerating as it crosses.

  2. The Turn: The Helm calls "Turning" and slowly alters course.

  3. "GYBE-HO": The Helm calls this the moment the wind catches the leech and flips the sail.

  4. Counter-Steer: The Helm must immediately straighten the wheel to stop the boat from rounding up.

  5. Ease Sheets: The Mainsheet trimmer rapidly eases the main out to the new side. The headsail is trimmed on the new side.


Method B: The Dynamic / Racing Gybe Warning: This requires an experienced crew and clear zones. In racing, or light airs, we might use a faster technique where we do not winch the boom all the way in.

  1. Clear the Zone: Ensure absolutely no one is standing in the arc of the mainsheet or boom.

  2. Vang On: Tighten the Vang. This pulls the boom down and keeps the leech tight, preventing the boom from "skying" (lifting up) during the turn.

  3. The Turn: Helm calls "Standby to Gybe," then "Turning."

  4. The Guide: A crew member grabs the mainsheet bundle (not the boom itself!) to hand-guide the boom across as the wind fills from the other side.

  5. The Snap: The boom will cross with force. The traveler should be centered to minimize shock.




Captain’s Summary

The most common mistake I see is silence. A silent boat is a dangerous boat.

  • Tacking: Speed and timing on the winches.

  • Gybing: Control of the mainsheet and steering.

Before every maneuver, look at your crew, say the command loud and clear, and wait for confirmation.


Fair winds,


Captain Leo Cunha

 
 
 

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