Could you please describe the difference between jibing and coming about?

Question

Any other useful info such as when you would use one or the other will help, I'm kind of a slow learner so I need as much explaining as I can get. Thank you.

Answer 1

Coming about can refer to either tacking or jibing.

Tacking means that you turn the boat into the wind, or the bow through the eye of the wind. The jib crosses over and is tacked down on the other side.

Jibing means that you turn the other direction and will need to adjust sails differently as they fill from turning across the wind.

In racing there is usually a jibing mark, Also, sometimes the quarters a close and require a turn away the wind. Generally you jibe when you are going off the wind, and do not jibe when  you are going into the wind. Jibing takes more skill to prevent it from becoming dangerous.

Answer 2

When you come about you bring the bow through the eye of the wind. When you jibe you are bringing the stern through the eye of the wind.

This is determined by what point of sail you are on  and what direction you wish to turn.

Answer 3

When you come about the bow of the boat comes through the wind. When you jibe the stern of the boat is turned through the wind.

Answer 4

cat38ski is correct. Coming About is a general term for a change of coarse where the rudder passes through midship from one side to the other.  Not neccesarilly 90 or 180 degrees...just one side of center to the other. A power boat can come about....but they do not tack or jibe. And yes...to tack is coming about through "head to wind" and to jibe or gybe is to come about stern through the wind. When it's really blowing h**l bent for leather...sometimes a sailboat can't carry enough speed or "way-on" to move through the wind(tack)...they get stuck in "Irons" or "Head to wind" and must therefore bear off and Jibe.

Answer 5

Coming about refers to changing which side of the boat the wind is coming from. Coming about may be accomplished by either tacking or jibing. Tacking is turning the bow of the boat through the wind and Jibing is turning the stern of the boat through the wind. Tacking is usually done when sailing to windward. Jibing is usually done when sailing downwind.

Answer 6

GYBING - means the stern of your vessel passes thru the wind.

TACKING - means the bow of your vessel passes thru the wind.

Answer 7

Jibbing is use of smaller sails for speed and maneuverability. To come about is to change directions such as reversing one's progress. Coming about usually involves the mainsail moving to the other side of the boat.