Definition

1. Verb:
   • To change course by shifting the sail from one side of the vessel to the other: In sailing, to "gybe" (also spelled "jibe") is a maneuver where the stern of the boat passes through the wind, causing the mainsail and boom to swing forcefully from one side to the other.
   • To shift suddenly or swing across: This can describe the abrupt, uncontrolled movement of a sail or boom during such a maneuver.

Usage

• As a verb (intransitive): Describes the action of the boat or sail itself.
  • The skipper warned the crew before the boat would gybe.
  • In strong winds, it is dangerous for the sail to gybe unexpectedly.
• As a verb (transitive): Describes the act of causing the boat to perform this maneuver.
  • The helmsman decided to gybe the boat to head back towards the harbor.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To gybe all standing": An archaic or technical sailing term for performing a gybe without easing the sails, often resulting in a very forceful and potentially dangerous swing of the boom.
• The event of gybing is called a "gybe" (noun).
  • The accidental gybe damaged the rigging.

Variants and Related Words

• Jibe: The more common American English spelling of the same sailing maneuver. The meanings are identical.
  • The captain ordered a jibe to starboard.
• Wear: A related but different sailing maneuver where the boat turns from the wind to change tack, as opposed to turning the wind as in a gybe.

Synonyms

• To change tack (by gybing): Specifically indicates changing direction via a gybe.
• To swing (of a boom/sail): Describes the physical motion.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Phrases

• Gybe over: To complete the gybing maneuver.
  • We need to gybe over before we reach the shore.
• Gybe round: Similar to "gybe over," emphasizing the turning aspect.
  • The yacht gybed round neatly to begin the downwind leg.

Related Idioms

• "Gybe-ho!": A traditional call made by the helmsman or crew to warn others that a gybe is being executed. It alerts the crew to the danger of the swinging boom.
  • The skipper shouted "Gybe-ho!" and everyone ducked.

Verb

1. shift from one side of the ship to the other
   • The sail jibbed wildly