GYBED Meaning and
Definition
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Gybed (also spelled jibed) is a nautical term used to describe a maneuver performed by a sailboat where the boat's sail transitions from one side to the other as the boat turns downwind. This maneuver involves changing the direction of the wind on the sail.
During a gybe, the windward side of the sail moves to become the leeward side as the boat turns. This switch in wind direction can be initiated by tacking the boat downwind or by turning the boat away from the wind. As a result of the gybe, the boom (the horizontal spar that extends aft from the bottom of the mast) swings across the boat from one side to the other. This can create a sudden shift in wind pressure on the sail.
Gybing is a critical maneuver that requires skill and proper execution to ensure the boat's stability and safety. Poorly timed or executed gybes can lead to accidents, such as crew members being hit by the swinging boom or the boat capsizing.
In order to execute a successful gybe, sailors need to carefully control the sail's movement by trimming the mainsheet (the rope that controls the boom) and anticipate the change in wind pressure. Additionally, proper communication and coordination among the crew members are essential to ensure a smooth gybe without any mishaps.
Common Misspellings for GYBED
Etymology of GYBED
The word "gybed" in sailing has its origins in Middle English. It can be traced back to the word "gibben" or "gybben", which meant "to turn" or "to veer" in Old English. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word changed, leading to the modern term "gybed" as it is used in sailing today.
Similar spelling words for GYBED
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