Video: Torbens Jibing Technique

Analysis of Torben and Marcello's Technique

Torben and Marcello’s jibing technique is important for three reasons (I refer to the technique as the “tribe”, as in the “Torben-jibe”).  First, in order to execute the maneuver, it is choreographed to limit the amount of movements.  Second, it maximizes the time by which the boat is completely powered by both sails.  Third, it is performed much quicker than the traditional jibe. 

Initiation:  Neither sailor produces a footfall during the tribe.  Each time a crew rises to his feet or knees, unless he is soft as a cat, produces irregular weight distribution.  The footfalls disrupt the angle of attack of the boat, bounce the boat and sails, and generally slow down the momentum of the boat.  Notice that at the moment Torben moves the helm, Marcello scoots in close to the mast, with a maximum of two scoots.  The old technique has the crew moving to the cockpit, a long distance, and a long time to execute, and the weight has shifted to the aft and reduced the boat’s waterline, not to mention that it requires more energy of which a crew has a limited supply.  Also, he is still leaning to weather and driving the boat to leeward, which helps Torben steer the boat minimizing the use of the handbrake/helm.  Time, speed, momentum, and energy have already been saved by the first step alone. 

“Tribe”:  Torben pre-cleats the leeward backstay (to reduce his trimming movements later), uncleats the whisker pole, and uncleats the weather backstay.  No backstay is on at this point, no worries because he has already put tension tip of the mast through the leach of the sail by pulling on the mainsheet.  Torben pulls the boom over in four long pulls.  By pre-trimming the leeward backstay, he has it taut in two pulls. He straightens the helm.   Finally, he trims out the whisker pole.  Meanwhile, what is Marcelo doing? 

“Powered”:  Marcelo goes hand-over-hand in switching the pole and he keeps his weight stationary.  Most importantly, after the switch, he holds the pole out with his forearm, which effectively trims the pole until Torben cleats the sheet.  He then uses two scoots to relocate to the front and weather edge of the boat.  Holding the pole out may be difficult but it allows the jib to be powered throughout the tribe and drives the bow back down to its proper course without Torben using the handbrake.  

Loss of momentum of a Star boat is devasting due to the heavy weight of the keel.  Not only do you lose speed for every footfall, tiller movement, and loss of sail power but it will take the same amount of time to recover that momentum as it did when you lost it; it is an exponential loss.  The tribe takes seven seconds total, maximum power, minimal loss of momentum, minimal movement and energy, and minimal tiller movement all add up to make this an significant advantage for the Torben/Marcello dance team.  This analysis does not even account for the strategic advantage of boat positioning by being able to execute the tribe quicker and faster that the other teams’ jibes.  I wonder why they are the fastest Star boat team downwind year in and year out.

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