Cryptic crossword clue
Sailing close to the wind when heading off down 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word LUFF

L
U
F
F

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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does LUFF mean?

LUFF noun
  1. The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.
  2. The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.
  3. The roundest part of a ship's bow.
  4. The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.
LUFF verb
  1. (of a sail) To shake due to being trimmed improperly.
  2. (of a boat) To alter course to windward so that the sails luff. (Alternatively luff up)
  3. To let out (a sail) so that it luffs.
  4. To alter the vertical angle of the jib of a crane so as to bring it level with the load.

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