Pay Off (Sailing)

For a vessel’s bow to turn away from the wind.

The expression can describe an intentional helm action or a response to wind, sails, current, waves or loss of forward speed. It is similar to bear away or fall off, although usage varies between regions and types of vessel.

Paying off changes the apparent wind and normally requires corresponding sail trim. When it occurs unintentionally near a lee shore, berth or obstruction, the cause and available steering or propulsion response must be assessed promptly.