GYBING

In order to underftand this operation more clearly, it is necessary to remark, that by a boom-sail is meant any sail whose bottom is extended by a boom, the fore-end of which is hooked to it's respective mast, so as to swing occasionally on either side of the vessel, describing an arch, of which the mast will be the center. As the wind or the course changes, it also becomes frequently necessary to change the position of the boom, together with it's sail, which is accordingly shifted to the other side of the vessel as a door turns upon it's hinges. The boom is pushed out by the effort of the wind upon the sail, and is refrained in a proper situation by a strong tackle communicating with the vessel's stern, and called the sheet. It is also confined on the fore-part by another tackle, called the guy. See the preceding article.

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