Background for luffs

luffs

/lʌfs/

Illustration luffs - Image 1

noun

The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.

Examples :

"By easing the halyard, the luff of the sail was made to sag to leeward."

nautical sailing

Illustration luffs - Image 1

noun

The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.

Examples :

"The sailor carefully adjusted the sails during the luffs, trying to maintain speed despite sailing so close to the wind. "

nautical sailing

Illustration luffs - Image 1

noun

The roundest part of a ship's bow.

Examples :

"The waves crashed against the ship's luffs, sending spray high into the air. "

nautical sailing vehicle ocean part

Illustration luffs - Image 1

noun

The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.

Examples :

"During the race, the sailor carefully adjusted the jib's sheet to prevent any luffs from developing along its forward edge. "

nautical sailing technical

Illustration luffs - Image 1

verb

(of a sail) To shake due to being trimmed improperly.

Examples :

"The sail luffs and flaps noisily whenever we turn too sharply into the wind. "

nautical sailing

Illustration luffs - Image 1

verb

(of a boat) To alter course to windward so that the sails luff. (Alternatively luff up)

Examples :

"As the wind shifted, the sailor luffs the boat to keep the sails from flapping. "

nautical sailing vehicle

Illustration luffs - Image 1

verb

To let out (a sail) so that it luffs.

Examples :

"The sailor luffs the jib sail slightly to reduce its power in the strong wind. "

nautical sailing technical

Illustration luffs - Image 1

verb

To alter the vertical angle of the jib of a crane so as to bring it level with the load.

Examples :

"The crane operator luffs the jib to carefully lift the heavy beam horizontally. "

nautical sailing technical machine