Gybing is more difficult than tacking,, because the sails move from far out on one side to far out on the other side. If the wind is light, especially in a small sailboat, this may not be difficult. But a larger boat and even a smaller boat in a strong wind faces these difficulties and dangers:
. • Because the boom and even the mainsheet tackle can be heavy and moving very fast during a gybe, they may injure a crew in the way. More sailors are knocked overboard by gybes than anything else on a sailboat.
• High stresses on the rigging and sails occur when the mainsail snaps into its new position across the boat., rigging or the sail may be damaged.
• With a large jib bellied out ahead of the forestay, the sail may wrap around in front of the forestay during the gybe. Friction and the wind can pin the sail against the forestay, preventing it from coming out cleanly on the other side.
If you are sailing with a dingy with only a mainsail, carry out all of the steps above except the ones including the jibsheet.
