Used to describe a strong, steady wind that puts heavy pressure on the sails. In naval architecture, a stiff vessel has a very low center of gravity, causing it to resist heeling and snap back violently from a roll. While a stiff ship is highly stable and unlikely to capsize, the aggressive rolling motion is uncomfortable for the crew and can damage cargo or rigging.
Heard on the job
She's riding a bit stiff since we loaded all that dense steel in the lower hold.