_With the Main Boom over to Starboard._[35]
[34] That is, going the same way the wind blows. Her course is then
sixteen points from the wind. (See Compass.)
[35] Starboard is the right, and larboard the left hand side, when
looking toward the head of the vessel.
In managing the helm, be careful not to jibe the mainsail.
When a vessel is going large[36], the helmsman should always place
himself on the weather side of the tiller, or the side opposite to that
which the main boom is over, as his view of the vessel’s head will
then be unobstructed by the sails. The boat now running before the
wind, haul the tack of mainsail up. If the wind come dead aft, you may
flatten aft the jib and foresail sheets[37], or haul the foresail down
to prevent chafing. If the wind come at all round on the starboard
quarter[38], slack off the boom guy[39]; haul in the main-sheet till
you get the boom a-midships[40], or nearly so; port[41] the helm, and
jibe the mainsail; slack off the main-sheet again, and hook the guy
on the larboard side; haul taut the starboard runner and tackle, and
overhaul the larboard one; the same with the topping-lift[42]; hoist
the head sails[43], and shift the sheets over.
[36] Or free, not close-hauled. Generally understood as having the
wind abaft the beam, or that her course is then eight points from the
wind.
[37] Ropes fast to the aftermost lower corner of the jib and
foresail, to hold them down. The jib has two ropes or sheets fast to
its corner, one of which comes on each side the forestay, for the
convenience of tacking, &c. The foresail has only one sheet, which
is fast to the traveller, or ring on the horse or bar of iron, which
crosses from one gunwale to the other, just before the mast.
[38] The point on either side where the side and stern meet.
[39] A small tackle, one end of which is hooked to the main boom, and
the other forward, to keep the boom from swinging.
[40] Midway between the sides of the vessel.
[41] Instead of larboard, when speaking of the helm, port is the
proper term, in contrariety to starboard, used for the sake of
distinctness in directing the helmsman.
[42] Stout ropes which lead, one from each side the main boom, near
its outer end, through a block on its respective side the mast, just
under the cross-trees, whence it descends about half-way, and is
connected to the deck or gunwale by a tackle.
[43] Jib and foresail.
N.B. If you are obliged to jibe as above, you must, in the following
directions for bringing the wind on your beam, read larboard for
starboard, and _vice versâ_.