Definition

Also: gibe or gybe (British)

Noun/Verb

  • A maneuver, when sailing downwind, that shifts the sails from one side to the other.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 17th century. From the Dutch word gijbe, of the same meaning.

Comments

Used in reference to a fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel. Jibing in a strong wind can put a lot of strain on the gear and crew of a vessel. Therefore, hauling in a mainsail before the boom swings across reduces the strain caused by the jibe.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.