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jibe 1. To alter the course of a vessel in such a way that the stern crosses the true wind direction. The heading of the vessel will swing through an angle of two times (180 - true wind angle). The true wind angle can be calculated from the apparent wind angle, apparent wind speed, and boat speed. The implication in the maneuver is that the vessel will assume the same apparent wind angle, but on the other side. Sometimes spelled gybe or gibe. When the bow crosses the true wind direction, it is called a tack. The terms are used most often by sailors, but in strong winds and seas, the maneuvers and terminology are just as valuable to power driven vessels. Tack and jibe are illustrated in G262 2. A downwind point of sail being the side the wind is on, as in starboard jibe or port jibe — perhaps jargon, but often used. Jibe and tack are not distinguished in the Navigation Rules, which treats a starboard jibe as a starboard tack. Points of sail are illustrated in G186. British spelling gybe.

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