"Falling Off" in Nautical Terms: Losing Wind & Headway

In sailing, "falling off" (or bearing away) means changing course away from the wind—turning the bow downwind so the wind angle relative to the boat increases (e.g., from close-hauled to a reach, or reach to run).

Nuance: Intentional vs. Involuntary

• Intentional (Bearing Away): A deliberate maneuver—e.g., "Fall off to a beam reach to increase speed." The helmsman turns the tiller/wheel away from the wind.
• Involuntary (Losing Headway): If a boat loses momentum (due to lull, bad sail trim, hitting waves), it may fall off unintentionally—the bow blows downwind because there's not enough water flow over the rudder/keel to maintain course. This is dangerous near obstacles or when trying to point high.

Opposite: "Heading Up" (Pointing Up)

Turning toward the wind (decreasing wind angle). Requires speed and trim.

Why It Matters

• Sail Trim: Falling off requires easing sheets (mainsheet, jib) to prevent stalling.
• Safety: Uncontrolled falling off in a channel or near a lee shore can lead to grounding.
• Racing: Tactical falling off to gain speed or pass to leeward.

So "falling off" is primarily a course change downwind. The description in the source (losing headway due to wind change) describes one cause of involuntary falling off, not the definition itself.