A Chinese gybe on a sailing vessel is a type of gybe where the upper section of the main sail moves cross the boat, filling from the opposite side, whilst the lower section and boom remain on the original side of the vessel.

It contrasts with a normal gybe, where the whole sail moves across the boat as the boat turns its stern through the wind.[1]

A Chinese gybe is usually induced by too little tension on the vang or kicking strap, allowing the boom to rise up and the leech of the sail to twist excessively.[2]

The term can be used in a different sense, in which a Chinese gybe is a gybe caused when a boat rolls excessively to windward (usually when running downwind), causing an unexpected and/or uncontrolled change in course (specifically bearing off dangerously). This sense of the term is similar to death roll.[3]

References

  1. ^ "What is a Chinese gybe and how do you avoid it". Archived from the original on 2015-10-02. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  2. ^ "Chinese Gybes – and how to avoid them". Sail Better!. Archived from the original on 2015-10-01.
  3. ^ "Video of a Chinese gybe on Kosatka (Team Russia) during the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009". Archived from the original on 2016-05-06. Retrieved 2016-11-29.


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