Optimist Gybing
Check out this video showing Optimist gybing, narrated by Shirley Robertson, double Olympic Gold Medalist. The links provide videos from other sources with additional tips.
Key Steps
- Bear away gently and sheet in main
- Stand, move back foot across, and grab all parts of mainsheet
- Bear off more, pull main over, duck and center the rudder
- Sit, steer, swap hands
Additional Tips:
- You may have to lower the centerboard to prevent the boom from hitting it
- Keep steering to a minimum
- Keep your weight forward
- Use smooth movements to avoid shaking the wind out of the sail
Related Content:
Opti Gybing – Steve Irish Coaching
Gybing – Yachting New Zealand Coaching Resource
Sailors Helping Sailors
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