When I tried to stand on the chair, it cracked.

The sequence of the manoeuvre is the followingː Head up to close-hauled, cleat the jib, shoot up head to wind to slow down, bear away with jib backed, release mainsheet, steer windwards delicately til the boat settles down.

The understanding abdicates its functions.

He had been able to do what few others could - survive a meeting with the dread linnorm and better still, been able to trade with him as well.