gybe set

Mumm 30 Set-Gybe


Because so many of us hoist and douse our spinnakers from the forehatch, it has become a real challenge to execute a proper gybe set without sending the bowperson forward to get the gear and the pole around to the opposite sides. If a gybe is necessary at the weather mark, there are two ways to deal with the situation.

First, because we often race with offset marks at the top, if port tack is heavily favoured downwind, it probably means that the offset leg is pretty broad. Hoist as soon as possible so that the crew will be able to clean up and execute an immediate gybe at the spacer mark.

If there is no spacer mark, or the offset leg is too tight to hoist, execute what's called a "Set-Gybe." This manoeuvre is a matter of hoisting and rolling into a gybe immediately. The helmsperson and the trimmer must really be on the ball to nail it.

Keys to a good Set-Gybe:
Exactly same set up as a normal bear away, the crew stays hiking, pole on mast, normal height, etc.
Approaching the weather mark, the call must go forward so that the foredeck knows not to worry about getting the Jib down. This will enable he/she to be able to go straight for the lazy guy (make sure there is enough slack) and gybing the pole.
Helm steers the boat around the mark and calls hoist, concentrating on the luff of the spinnaker and bearing off as much as possible and still allowing the spinnaker to fill.
The guy person is ready to square the pole significantly and has asked for the foreguy to be pre-set.
Rounding, the jib sheet is eased about a foot and cleated. It will be okay for the jib to back on new gybe.
The spinnaker trimmer is concentrating on getting the chute full, but then immediately easing, as they know that helmsperson will roll into the gybe exactly when they see spinnaker fill.
When executed correctly this almost becomes one continuous turn, the helm steering based on the spinnaker fill and the crew knowing that they are immediately rolling into a gybe.

With practice, and depending upon conditions, you should be able to get onto port gybe about one boat-length away from the mark.

There is another method that can be used to execute the gybe set if you are set for a conventional hoist.

When sailing across the spreader leg the foredeck removes the pole from the weather spinnaker guy (if still attached)
He then puts the pole onto the leeward guy, make sure that the jib trimmer has left enough slack in the guy for this to happen. The pitman must then simultaneously raise the pole as the foredeck pushes the pole to leeward and attaches it to the mast. Failure to top the pole as it is pushed to leeward will result in the pole going into the water and probably snapping (remember to make an allowance for the pole at the mark or something similar may happen).
The foredeck then feeds the clew of the spinnaker around the headstay by about 500mm ready for the set. Whilst the foredeck crew is working the trimmer should be taking the slack on the starboard spinnaker sheet ready for the hoist.
The trimmer then eases the jib by a foot and cleats it off, it will then be backed when on the new gybe.
Hoist the spinnaker as you round the mark onto the new gybe. Communication between the trimmer and helmsman is paramount in ensuring the correct rate of turn is employed to prevent the spinnaker being blown into the foretriangle.
The foredeck hand then drops the jib as normal.