Pay Off

The action or process of a vessel’s bow turning away from the wind, often due to wind or rudder adjustments.

When a vessel “pays off,” it is essentially turning its bow away from the wind direction. This can happen due to intentional steering actions by the helmsman or as a result of external forces such as wind or current. When a boat is head-to-wind, it is facing directly into the wind, and paying off is the movement where the bow begins to fall off to one side, allowing the wind to catch the sails more effectively. This is a critical manoeuvre in sailing, as it allows a vessel to transition from a stationary or near-stationary position into motion, particularly when tacking or jibing. 

The term is often used in contrast with “luffing up,” which refers to turning the bow towards the wind. Paying off can be a controlled action, such as when a helmsman adjusts the rudder to initiate a turn, or it can happen unintentionally if the vessel is not properly balanced or if the wind shifts suddenly. In some cases, paying off too much can lead to a loss of control, especially in high winds, as the vessel may become overpowered by the wind in its sails. Therefore, understanding how and when to pay off is essential for maintaining control and ensuring smooth sailing.