JIBING
When it becomes necessary to jibe a vessel, proper precautions have to be taken. Before preparing for a jibe, steer so that the wind is not quite aft, but on the quarter opposite to that over which the boom is squared. Haul in on the mainsheet till the boom is half-way in. Then put the helm slowly up to bring the vessel round, and continue hauling on the main-sheet till the boom is amidships. Before the vessel is by the lee, slack off the weather-runners (and weather-preventing backstays, if these be standing) and set taut the lee-runners, which will become the weather-runners when the jibe has been effected. As the wind strikes the mainsail on the opposite side, slack off the mainsheet so as to break the jerk and allow the boom to pass over easily to the other quarter. A vessel is apt to run up into the wind as she jibes, so the helm must be put up to meet her. Then sheet the headsails on what has now become the lee side.
If the wind is strong it is well to scandalise the mainsail—trice up the main tack and lower the peak—before jibing.
When running before a heavy sea a vessel is apt to yaw about a good deal, and therefore exceptional care must be taken to avoid an accidental jibe. The prudent plan under these circumstances is not to steer dead before the wind, but to sail for some
