Check area is clear. Helm calls ‘Ready about’ to warn crew. Crew checks area, uncleats jib and replies ‘ready’. If it’s aft main, helm changes hands (tiller and main sheet). Helm calls Lee-oh and starts the turn by easing the tiller away towards the sail.
As the boom nears the centreline, helm moves across the boat, facing forward in a centre main boat, aft in an aft main boat. Crew takes the new jib sheet and swaps sides. Helm rotates the tiller extension round the end of the tiller.
As the boom reaches the new side, helm sits down and centralises the tiller as the boat points towards its new target and the mainsail fills. In a centre main boat, the tiller is centralised behind the helm’s back while he swaps hands (see Tricky Bits on next page)