Jibing, even under the best of circum­stances, can be an adventure. When you put a bunch of boats close together and require them to jibe in the same exact spot, however, you create the potential for excite­ment. That's what the jibe mark is all about.

If you'd like to come out ahead at the jibe mark, you have to be smart, and some­times a little sneaky. The first rule of thumb is to anticipate. When you're halfway down the first reach, start thinking about the jibe. For example, have you been lifted so much you'll want a jib on the next reach? Are any boats threatening to get an inside overlap on you?

Once you've figured out a plan of action, you have to execute. No matter how smart you are, you won't have a good jibe mark experience if your crew can't jibe the spinnaker smoothly or if you can't do a good roll jibe. That's why you need to practice. When you're racing, try to do everything as early as possible. If you can get the pole secured on the mast before you turn at the mark, for example, you will have a much more successful rounding.

Finally, know your rights and obligations under the rules. It's hard enough jibing near a bunch of other boats without having to worry constantly about who's right or wrong. If you know the rules, you will be much more confident about sneak­ing in at the mark or cutting other boats off. Here are some of my favorite strategies, tactical moves and rule interpretations.

1. BREAK THE OVERLAP

When another boat is fighting to get an inside ^\/! overlap at the jibe mark, there are several things you can do. First of all, sail fast. Second, sail low so you make your final approach to the mark on a relatively tight reach. (Remember, though, you can't sail below your proper course when the other boat is over­lapped to leeward or clear astern steering a course to lee­ward.) This will give you a better angle to break the over­lap, and it will aim your bad air farther aft, making it hard­er fur the other boat to stay overlapped to leeward.

If the other boat hangs on to an overlap, head up sharply as you reach the two-boatlength circle. By chang­ing your angle, you can break the overlap and avoid giving room. Be careful,

2. CLAIM BUOY ROOM

When several overlapped boats approach the jibe mark together, the boats on the outside often don't enter the two-boatlength circle until nn< i ihey turn and jibe. That's because they have to leave room for the booms, spin­nakers and jibes of the inside boats.

If you are approaching the mark behind these boats, you may be able to claim room. According to rule 42.3a, you're entitled to buoy room if you establish an overlap before the boat ahead reaches the two-boatlength circle. When the outside boats turn for the mark, you will proba­bly obtain an inside overlap. If they are still outside the two-boatlength circle, you are entitled to room. Just make sure you hail loudly, and if the other boat doesn't give you room, go behind them and protest. See ISF Case 127.

3. TAKE ROOM FREELY GIVEN

One of the most satisfying moves you can make at any jibe mark is to cut inside and roll over a boat ahead of you. This is easiest to do when you have a strong current pushing you away from the mark or a strong breeze that makes jibing difficult.

To pull it off, make a wide approach and try to complete your jibe before you get to the mark. Leave yourself the option to go behind the boat(s) ahead if the hole closes up.

According to USSA Appeal 38, "when a yacht voluntarily or unintentionally makes room available to another yacht that, under the rules, has no right to that room and makes no claim to it, that other yacht may take advantage, at her own risk, of the room so given."

4. DON'T JIBE

One of my favorite moves at the jibe mark is not to jibe. By bearing off instead of jibing, you get away from the bad air of the boats that jibed. This gives you better speed and the option to play wind shifts. You also avoid the rat race where each boat keeps sailing high­er to keep their air clear and roll the boats ahead.

Of course, choosing not to jibe at the jibe mark doesn't normally pay off. That's because jibing usually puts you on the longer jibe to the next mark, and we know that sailing the long jibe first is usually fast. So don't bear away at the jibe mark unless the next leg is almost a dead run, or unless you're desperate enough to take a chance.

Tip..

Whenyou're jibing from a tight reach to a broad reach, strategically you should cut the mark tight on the near side and wide on the far side. Do this by saving your jibe until after you have passed the mark. This way you can use some of your speed from the tight reach to get you farther to leeward on the slower broad reach.

 When you're jibing from a broad reach to a tight reach, strategically you should complete your jibe before you get to the mark so you can take the mark wide on the near side and close on the far side.

David Dellenbaugh, former starting helmsman for America3, publishes Speed&Smarts, a monthly newsletter of how-to information for racing sailors. For subscription information call: 800-356-2200. To order a new subscription, click