76 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
»
16. Describe what is meant by the term "gybing," and how it is done ?
When a boat is sailing with the wind a little on the quarter, it may
be necessary to put the helm up a little and bring the wind round, the
stem on to the other quarter. This manoeuvre is termed "gybing."
It should only be done in light winds and fine weather.
With a standing lirg, the sheet and clew of the sail are hauled gently
and carefully aft as the helm is put up, and are allowed to fall away
on the other side of the boat as the wind comes round on to the other
quarter. The wind will now be on the other side of the sail.
A shift of wind round the stern would make it necessary to "gybe;"
this shift of wind would always be carefully looked out for.
When sailing with the wind right aft, and by hauling the sheet
aft, the wind is brought on to the other side of the sail, the sail at the same
time going across to the other side of the "boat, she is said to be gybed
Note that in this case the boat's course has not been altered.
Do not attempt to gybe if there is much wind or if you have an
unskilful crew or a boat-load of passengers. Lower the sail right
down, and pass it across to the other side of the boat before hoisting
it up again.
With a "dipping" lug the yard and sail must be lowered right down,
and dipped round the mast na all cases. The tack and tiaveller will
have to be unhooked to do this, and, of course, hooked" on again before
re-hoisting.
17. What particular precautions should be taken when sailing with
the wind right aft?
The main thing to guard against is an "accidental gybe." This
may be caused by allowing the boat to be caught by the lee through
careless steering or by a sudden shift o'f wind. Such being the case,
the sail will come right across with little warning. With a free-footed
sail as used in ships' boats, this may mean nothing more than caps going
over the side, but when a boom comes across it might be more disastrous.
In a strbng breeze, the sail or even the mast might be carried away,
at the same time the boat is likely to "broach to." '
The precautions to take would be to watch the steering very care-
fully, keep a sharp look-out for any signs of a shift of wind, and take
care that she is not "caught by the lee." Should that happen, ease the
sheet right off, and meet her with the helm to stop hex broaching to.