Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈa͡ɪbɪŋ] (IPA) 
Gybing or "jibing" is a sailing maneuver where the stern of the boat turns through the wind. The spelling "gybing" is pronounced as /dʒaɪbɪŋ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The sound /dʒ/ represents the "j" sound in the word "jelly". The sound /aɪ/ represents the "y" sound in the word "fly", and the sound /b/ represents the "b" sound in the word "baby". The sound /ɪŋ/ represents the "ing" sound in the word "sing".
Gybing, also spelled as jibing, is a term primarily used in sailing and wind sports to describe a specific maneuver where a boat changes course by turning the stern, or back, of the vessel through the wind. It is the opposite of tacking, which involves turning the bow through the wind.
During a gybe, the wind direction will shift from one side of the boat to the other. As a result, the sail will switch from being filled on one side to being filled on the other side, allowing the boat to change its heading. This maneuver can be performed in various types of boats, including sailboats, windsurfers, and kiteboards.
Gybing requires careful coordination and technique to execute smoothly and safely. The helmsman steers the boat in such a way that the wind direction passes over the stern of the vessel, causing the sail to swing across to the opposite side. The crew must adjust the sails and control lines to prevent accidental jibes, which can be sudden and potentially dangerous.
In addition to changing the boat's direction, gybing can also be performed intentionally to make adjustments in sail trim or to exploit wind shifts for tactical advantage. In competitive sailing, proficient gybing is essential for successful downwind racing strategies. It is also an important skill for recreational sailors navigating around buoys or shifting winds.
Overall, gybing is a fundamental sailing maneuver that involves turning a boat's stern through the wind to change course, allowing the sails to switch sides and fill with wind from the other direction.
In sailing, the act of going about when the wind is astern or abaft the beam.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "gybing" has its origins in nautical terminology. It comes from the Middle English word "gyben" or "gybyn", which meant "to violently turn round". This Middle English term was derived from the Old English word "gyfan", meaning "to give or deliver".
In sailing, "gybing" refers to the maneuver of turning the stern of a sailboat through the wind to change direction. This is done by letting the wind catch the opposite side of the sail. The word "gybing" has been commonly used in sailing jargon since the 17th century.
