What is one of the main benefits of using a preventer?

Using a preventer serves a crucial role in enhancing safety and control while sailing, particularly when sailing downwind. The primary purpose of a preventer is to secure the boom and prevent it from accidentally swinging across to the opposite side of the boat, a maneuver known as gybing. Accidental gybes can be dangerous, often resulting in loss of control, sudden jolts, or even injury to crew members. By keeping the boom in a controlled position, a preventer minimizes the risk of such situations, thus allowing for a safer sailing experience.

In a sailing context, while reducing the chance of capsizing, aiding in steering, or increasing speed are valid considerations, they do not specifically address the immediate function of a preventer, which is to provide stability and safety concerning the boom's movement. Thus, focusing on the preventer's primary role directly links it to preventing accidental gybing, highlighting its importance in maintaining both control and safety aboard the vessel.