Jibing in sailing: The essentials

If you’ve heard of jibing in sailing but aren’t exactly sure what it is, let us guide you through everything you need to know.

Here, we explain what a jibe is, highlight the differences between jibing and tacking, and discuss common jibing mistakes and how to avoid them. We’ll also share some top jibing tips to help you perform this sailing manoeuvre safely and successfully.

What is a jibe in sailing?

A jibe is a sailing manoeuvre in which a sailboat changes direction by turning its stern through the wind. This causes the wind to shift from one side of the boat to the other while sailing downwind.

During a jibe, the vessel’s mainsail swings from one side to the other as the boat turns and the wind direction moves across the stern. This results in the wind changing to the opposite side of the boat while it’s still sailing downwind. Read our guide on how to sail for some tips to try before jibing.

Jibing vs tacking: What’s the difference?

The main difference between jibing and tacking is which direction the boat turns relative to the wind. In tacking, the bow of the boat is turned through the wind, whereas it’s the stern that’s turned through the wind in jibing. Other notable differences between the two include:

• Wind direction – Tacking is performed while sailing upwind, and jibing is performed while travelling downwind.
• Sail movement – In tacking, the boat’s sails move gradually across the centreline. When jibing, the sails swing quickly, which is why it’s important to watch out for the boom.
• Risk level – Tacking is typically low risk, provided everyone knows what they’re doing. In contrast, jibing can be risky due to the fast-moving boom, which can potentially cause damage or injury.
• Uses – Tacking is usually used to perform upwind manoeuvres, and jibing is predominantly used to carry out downwind course changes.

When and why to try jibing while sailing

There are many reasons why you might want to jibe while sailing. These include:

• Changing direction while sailing downwind
• While racing to follow the most efficient route
• When manoeuvring in tight areas downwind

Step-by-step guide: How to perform a jibe

The following five steps will help you to complete a safe, successful jibe:

• Prepare the crew – Let those you’re sailing with know when they need to prepare to jibe
• Trim the sails – Trimming the mainsail in particular will help you to control the boom
• Steer downwind – Turn the boat slowly so the stern crosses the wind
• Watch the boom – The boom will shift to the opposite side of the boat
• Adjust the sails – Trim the sails on the new tack

Common mistakes to avoid when jibing

Jibing can be dangerous if done incorrectly, mainly because the boom can swing quickly across the vessel and cause damage or injury. There are several common jibing mistakes that can occur, and knowing how to avoid them can help you to perform this manoeuvre safely and successfully.

1. Accidental jibe

An accidental jibe occurs when the boat jibes accidentally when sailing too far downwind without actively managing the boom or heading. This can cause the boom to quickly swing across the boat unexpectedly.
Accidental jibes can be avoided by paying close attention to the wind angle and only sailing downwind if you’re confident. You could also choose to rig the boom in place.

2. Jibing too quickly

Jibing the boat too quickly can result in the boom swinging dangerously across, stressing the rig and putting the crew at risk.

To avoid this, turn slowly and smoothly during the jibe and ease the mainsheet just before the jibe to reduce boom speed. Make sure that the crew always stays out of the boom path.

3. Forgetting to warn the crew

Jibing without warning, the crew can injure someone caught off-guard by the swinging boom or flapping sails.

You should always announce “prepare to jibe”, wait for acknowledgement from crew members, then say “jibing”. In addition to this, everyone should be seated away from the boom.

4. Poor mainsheet control

Letting a boat’s mainsheet fly loose can result in the boom slamming and the sail flapping uncontrollably.

Ensure you hold or ease the mainsheet under control during the jibe and trim the sail gradually on the new side once you’ve completed the manoeuvre.

5. Ignoring sail trim

Not adjusting sails for the new wind angle following jibing can lead to poor boat speed and stress on the sail.

To avoid these issues when jibing, trim the headsail and mainsail immediately after jibing and fine-tune the position of your sail.

6. Not using a preventer during unfavourable conditions

In heavy wind or rough seas, not rigging a preventer can lead to dangerous accidental jibes.

It’s best to always rig a preventer when sailing downwind, especially if you’re travelling with an inexperienced crew or boating in a storm.

Avoid common jibing mistakes by:

• Communicating clearly with others on board
• Carefully controlling the boom and using a preventer where necessary
• Trimming sails properly before and after jibing
• Moving smoothly without rushing
• Keeping the crew informed and clear of the boom

Tips for safe, smooth jibing

Whether you’re sailing a dinghy, cruiser, or yacht, there are some simple safety tips you can follow to help minimise risk, protect your vessel, and keep the crew safe while jibing.

• Ensure your crew members are always aware of when you plan to jibe and are positioned away from the path of the boom
• Maintain good course control by steering smoothly through the jibe without rushing it
• Keep a close eye on wind direction and avoid sailing dead downwind for too long if possible, as this can reduce the risk of an accidental jibe
• Use a boom preventer when sailing in strong winds or on rough waters. A quick-release option ensures you can still jibe when necessary
• Don’t let the mainsheet go slack and ease it slowly as you turn through the jibe
• Catch the boom’s swing and gradually trim the sail on the new tack
• Consider reefing the sail in strong winds to avoid losing control
• Assign crew members to specific tasks if needed
• Start your jibe from a broad reach for enhanced control
• Practice jibing in light wind to build your confidence
• Check all boom fittings and preventer lines for wear or damage before setting sail

Jibing in different types of boats: Dinghies vs yachts

Jibing is typically the same across all sailboats as it simply involves turning the stern through the wind so that the sails shift sides. However, how you jibe in a dinghy vs. a yacht can differ due to size, weight, sail area, and safety concerns.

Jibing in a dinghy

A jibe is a fast manoeuvre in a dinghy, as they’re lightweight and respond quickly. However, the boom can swing very rapidly with a real risk of hitting the sailor, so jibing in a sailing dinghy requires excellent timing and coordination, especially in strong gusts.

You should always be sure to duck the boom, keep the mainsheet in hand so you can control it, use your body weight to balance the dinghy through the jibe, and try jibing in light wind until you feel confident.

Jibing in a yacht

Jibing takes longer in a yacht than in a dinghy as yachts are heavier and less reactive. Keep in mind that a poorly controlled jibe can cause boom damage, sail stress, or injury, and that clear communication with the crew is key.

When jibing in a yacht, warn the crew they need to prepare to jibe, use a boom preventer to avoid accidental or violent boom swings, and ease the mainsheet slowly.

Specialist sailboat insurance through Craftinsure

Practising jibing while sailing in your yacht or dinghy? You may want to protect your boat with specialist insurance.

Specialist yacht or dinghy insurance through Craftinsure provides up to £5m third-party cover and can protect your boat against loss or damage from fire or theft. Get an online quote in minutes today.