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What is Luffing in Sailing?

Turning the boat toward the wind, or letting sails flap by pointing too close to it. Tactically, a leeward boat may luff a windward rival to slow them or push them off the racing line, within the limits of the rules.

Example: She luffed the boat above her past the layline and broke free.

Related terms

Tack (manoeuvre)Tack (port/starboard)Gybe (jibe)Beat (upwind leg)Run and reachWindward and leewardLaylineMark
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