Gybe

Gybe (also spelled jibe) is when a sailboat (yacht) turns its stern through the wind, such that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. Contrast with tack.

A gybe can be executed more quickly than a tack because the boat never turns into the wind. Conversely, a gybe is more risky than a tack because the full force of the wind remains on the sail, risking tipping the boat, personal injury as the boom swings or even damage to the boat. Accidental gybes may occur when on a course that is almost running with the wind.