A gybe (or jibe) is a sailing maneuver where a boat sailing downwind turns its stern through the wind, causing the mainsail and boom to swing from one side to the other. It is used to change direction while sailing with the wind, shifting from one tack to another (e.g., port to starboard).

Key Aspects of a Gybe:
Direction: The boat turns away from the wind (downwind).

Mechanism: The stern passes through the wind, unlike a tack where the bow passes through the wind.

The Swing: As the wind catches the back of the sail, the boom swings across the boat, which requires controlled handling, particularly in high winds to prevent damage.

Process: Before the maneuver, the crew often centers the mainsheet, then lets it out as the boom moves to the new side.