Spinnaker, to shift one from side to side:
If a light pole, this can be easily and quickly done. Let go the after guy and swing the pole forward; unship the heel and run the pole aft along the deck on the side you want to set it, being sure to keep it clear until the head is abaft all sheets, etc. Have the other end of the halyard ready, let go the sail, cast off one end and snap in the other end, and hoist away. While those forward are doing this the after man can carry the guy over and pass it forward outside the rigging. Then shove the pole out right ahead, ship the heel, and haul aft the guy. By being able to shift a spinnaker quickly you can frequently manage to get away from a rival who is following close in your wake and blanketing you. It is a maneuvre that should be constantly practiced by a racing crew.