I always bring the boom to the centre when doing a deliberate gybe.
In keel boats, I practice the figure-eight beam-reach MOB. Just make sure that one of the crew is the spotter, pointing to the casualty at all times. It's also a good idea that you shout to the casualty as you sail away from them, to reassure them that you are coming back!
I have also been taught the crash-gybe method, which works well, but it's a bit tough on the mast and rigging. I would probably use that method in a real MOB situation.
Sailing joke: Never take hunters sailing, because when you gybe and shout "Duck!" as the boom comes across, they'll stand up and say "Where?"
Nice Beneteau, pb84. Great fun to sail. I chartered a 40' cat from Blue Pacific once, just to see what they were like. Would make a good party boat, but very boring to sail. Give me a sloop every time.