Glossary · Sailing & navigation
Gybe
Also called: Empannage, empanner, jibe, gybing
Changing the side the wind comes from by turning the stern through the wind.
The gybe is the downwind turn: the stern goes through the wind, and the boom swings sharply across. In strong wind it is a delicate manoeuvre that can break gear or knock the boat down. Downwind, racers gybe at each wind shift to stay on the favoured side.