luff

A noun referring to the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast, or the act of sailing a vessel close to the wind.

• 🇪🇸Sustantivo que designa el borde de proa de una vela de cuchillo o bermudiana, que se une al mástil o a la botavara, así como la acción de orzar o navegar cerca del viento.

1. Forward edge of a sail C2 formal technical

   The forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast.

   • The sailor adjusted the luff to catch the wind better.
   • A tear appeared along the luff of the mainsail.
   • He checked the luff for any signs of wear before the voyage.

   🇪🇸gratil

2. Sailing close to the wind C2 formal technical

   The act of sailing a vessel as close to the wind as possible.

   • The captain ordered a luff to gain speed.
   • They practiced the luff maneuver during the race.
   • A sharp luff can help avoid an obstacle in the water.

   🇪🇸Orzar

• luffs plural form
• luffs' possessive plural form
• luff's possessive singular form

A verb used in sailing to describe the act of turning a vessel's bow into the wind, causing the sails to flap or shake, typically to reduce speed or change direction.

• 🇪🇸Verbo náutico que significa girar la proa de la embarcación hacia el viento hasta que las velas flameen o tremolen, normalmente para reducir la velocidad o cambiar de rumbo.

1. to sail close to the wind C1 formal technical

   To bring the ship's head nearer to the wind, so that the sails begin to flutter. It is a maneuver used in sailing to gain speed or adjust direction.

   • The captain ordered the crew to luff the sails and change course.
   • When racing, experienced sailors often luff to gain a competitive edge.
   • He luffed the boat sharply to avoid hitting the buoy.

   🇪🇸Cazar (la botavara) / orzar

   Sinónimos: come uphead uppoint up

2. to flap when the wind blows equally on both sides C1 formal technical

   Describes the motion of a sail when the wind is blowing directly into its luff (front edge), causing it to flutter or shake. This is typically a sign of being headed directly into the wind.

   • The sail began to luff as the boat moved into the wind.
   • You need to adjust the sheet to stop the sail from luffing.
   • The constant luffing indicated a need to change tack.

   🇪🇸orzar (la vela)

   Sinónimos: flapfluttershakeshiver

• luffed past participle
• luffed past simple
• luffing present participle
• luffs third person singular