Gybing is similar to tacking in some ways: you turn across the wind, so the sails will move from one side to the other, and you need to move your own weight across too. You will have to release the jibsheet on one side and bring it in on the other.
The biggest difference from tacking is that the sails – and the boom – will move from one extreme to the other. As described in Part 3 of this course, when the boat is running or on a broad reach, the mainsail is let far out and the boom is way out to one side. When you gybe, the boom will come across the boat very fast. Be sure your head isn’t in the way!
The snapping action of the mainsail and boom crossing over can also stress the rigging, especially on a bigger boat and in stronger winds. Because of the danger of an accidental gybe (when a small change in course caused by careless steering or a gust or wave), many sailors prefer to sail on a broad reach with the wind safely well to one side, rather than trying to run directly downwind.
In this photo the boat is on a broad reach with the wind coming over the starboard from aft. To perform a gybe, move the tiller to turn the boat slightly to port.
