Luff Up

To steer a sailing vessel closer towards the wind.

Luffing up reduces the angle between the vessel’s heading and the true or apparent wind and normally requires the sails to be trimmed for the new course. The term describes a heading change, whereas a sail itself luffs when its leading edge loses smooth airflow and begins to flutter.

The turn is limited by the vessel’s close-hauled angle and available speed. Continuing too far can stall the sails or leave the vessel in irons, while an abrupt turn can create collision risk or expose crew to moving sails and loaded lines.