Luff – Definition and Pronunciation
What is Luff?
Luff is the forward-facing edge of a sail. Also the flutter that a sail makes when it is improperly trimmed or the boat is headed too close to the wind. A sail usually starts luffing at the luff.
Examples of Luff
Pull down the luff cringle (a metal ring sewn into the sail close to the mast) and secure it with either a line and cleat or a reefing hook – an upside down hook mounted near the gooseneck at the boom.
From “More Sailing Knowledge and Skills”.
The luff hanks are usually little plastic or bronze clips that snap onto the forestay. Remember, the hanks always face the same direction when you’re putting them on the forestay.
From “Getting Underway and Sailing on the Sailboat”.
The longer luff of the high-aspect sail generates more drive and lift to windward.
From “Boat Performance Factors Explained: Key Metrics and Analysis Guide”.
This results in a more powerful sail with a longer luff, but the stability of the boat also begins to be affected as the mast gets overly high. The main also gets too big for the crew to handle, thus putting a practical limit on the size of a single masted cat-rigged boat (about mid-thirties in feet).
From “Comprehensive Collection of Common Sailboat Rig Types and Designs”.
Pronunciation of Luff
