Set the tack, and heave the sheet well taut.
BEFORE THE WIND.[34]
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.