Tacking vs Gybing — Differences and Technique

Tacking vs Gybing — Differences and Technique

Tacking is a change of tack in which the yacht's bow passes through the wind line; gybing is a change of tack in which it is the stern that passes through the wind line. These are the two basic manoeuvres by which a sailboat changes the side it takes the wind from. The difference is crucial for safety: in a tack the sails momentarily lose the wind and cross gently to the other side, whereas in a gybe the boom swings violently from one side to the other — which is why the gybe demands more attention.

Tacking — bow to the wind

You perform it when you are sailing close-hauled and want to change tack. The yacht turns its bow towards the wind, passes through the so-called dead zone (the sails flap for a moment) and then catches the wind on the other side. It is the safer of the two turns, because the boom does not swing violently and the boat slows down for a moment. The command goes like this: the helmsman warns "Ready about", the crew answers "Ready", and on "Lee-ho!" the helm (tiller) goes to leeward, so that the bow points up into the wind. The steps are simple: build up speed, smoothly push the helm to the wind, halfway through the turn back the jib across to the other side and trim the sheets on the new tack. The most common beginner's mistake is entering the turn too slowly — the boat loses speed and stalls in the dead zone ("in irons"). The fix: pick up speed before the manoeuvre and don't put the helm over too sharply.

Gybing — stern through the wind

You perform this turn when sailing downwind (on a broad reach or a run) and want to change tack without pointing the bow into the wind. The stern passes through the wind line and the mainsail flicks violently across to the other side — together with the boom, which can fly over the cockpit with great force. That is precisely why the gybe is more dangerous: a careless boom is the most common cause of head injuries on a yacht, and in strong wind an uncontrolled gybe can knock the boat down. The technique for a safe gybe: sheet the mainsail in towards the centre before the manoeuvre, warn the crew ("Watch the boom!"), put the helm over, and once the mainsail has crossed — ease the sheet out under control on the new tack. Heads down. In stronger wind many sailors avoid gybing altogether and instead turn the boat the long way round — through a tack (bow into the wind) — to avoid the violent swing of the boom.

Which turn, and when

The rule is simple: sailing upwind, you change tack by tacking; sailing downwind, by gybing. The tack "costs" a little speed, but it is predictable and safe, which is why every course starts with it. The gybe is quicker and smoother, but it requires control of the mainsail and the vigilance of the whole crew. To beat upwind — that is, to make progress towards the direction the wind is coming from — you use a series of tacks; more on that in the guide to tacking upwind.

Practise on calm water

Both turns are best broken down into their component parts in light wind (2–3 on the Beaufort scale), on open water and without rushing. The Masurian lakes are perfect for this: plenty of space, predictable wind and no sea swell. A few calm repetitions turn the manoeuvre into a reflex — and then you stop thinking about it and simply sail.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between tacking and gybing? In a tack the bow passes through the wind line (you are sailing upwind), while in a gybe it is the stern (you are sailing downwind). In a gybe the boom swings across violently, which is why it is more dangerous.

Which turn is safer? The tack — the sails momentarily lose the wind and cross gently, without the violent swing of the boom.

What is the command for a tack? The helmsman calls "Ready about", the crew confirms "Ready", and on the command "Lee-ho!" the helm (tiller) goes to leeward and the jib is backed across.

Why do you have to watch the boom during a gybe? Because the mainsail, together with the boom, then flies violently from one side to the other — over the cockpit — and in strong wind it can strike the crew or knock the boat down.

Cover photo: NaCzarter.pl archive.