Luffing

Luffing

: "For the forward edge of a sail, see parts of a sail. For other uses, see luff."

In sailing, luffing refers to when a sailing vessel is steered far enough toward the direction of the wind ("windward"), or the sheet controlling a sail is eased so far past optimal trim, that airflow over the surfaces of the sail is disrupted and the sail begins to "flap" or "luff". (the luff of the sail is usually where this first becomes evident). This is not always done in error; for example, the sails will luff when the bow of the boat passes through the direction of the wind as the sailboat is tacked.

A sailboat can also be "luffed" slightly without completely de-powering the sails. Often this occurs on the point of sail known as close hauled, this is sometimes referred to as pinching or "feathering" and is sometimes done deliberately in order to make a more direct course toward an upwind destination (See: Beating to windward...), or to "de-power" a sail on a windy day to maintain control of the sailboat. "Luffing" can also be used to slow or stop a sailboat in a controlled manner.

Luffing is also a process of power kites when they stall and the front (or leading) edge falls downwards.


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  • Luffing — Luff Luff (l[u^]f), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Luffed} (l[u^]ft); p. pr. & vb. n. {Luffing}.] 1. (Naut.) To turn the head of a vessel toward the wind; to sail nearer the wind; to turn the tiller so as to make the vessel sail nearer the wind. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • luffing crane — or luffing jib crane noun A jib crane with the jib hinged at its lower end to the crane structure so as to allow alteration of its radius of action • • • Main Entry: ↑luff …   Useful english dictionary

  • luffing-jib crane — luffing crane or luffing jib crane noun A jib crane with the jib hinged at its lower end to the crane structure so as to allow alteration of its radius of action • • • Main Entry: ↑luff …   Useful english dictionary

  • luffing — lÊŒf n. (Nautical) forward edge of a sail; wide part near the bow of a boat v. turn a ship toward the wind (Nautical) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • luffing crane — /ˈlʌfɪŋ kreɪn/ (say lufing krayn) noun a crane with a jib whose angle, and hence the radius of lifting, can be altered …  

  • Crane (machine) — A modern crawler type derrick crane with outriggers. The latticed boom is fitted with a jib. A crane is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower material …   Wikipedia

  • Luff — or luffing may refer to:* Luffing, when a sailing sheet is eased so far past trim that airflow over the surface is disrupted * The leading edge of a sail * Luffing crane, a type of crane where the jib, rather than being fixed, can be raised and… …   Wikipedia

  • Junk Rig — The Junk rig, also known as the Chinese lugsail and Sampan rig, is a type of sail rig in which rigid members, called battens, span the full width of the sail and extend the sail forward of the mast. [Hasler MacLeod, Practical Junk Rig , Tiller… …   Wikipedia

  • Kitesurfing — Kitesurfing, kiteboarding, uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (which is like a wakeboard). Generally kiteboarding refers to a style of riding known as free style or wakestyle where as kitesurfing …   Wikipedia

  • Stacker — A stacker is a large machine used in bulk material handling applications. A stacker s function is to stack bulk material such as ores and cereals onto a stockpile. A reclaimer can be used to recover the material.Stackers are nominally rated in… …   Wikipedia

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