Tell-tails - pair

Tell-tails. A pair. Approximately 90 x 10 mm.

Apply to headsails to assist with sail trim and course steered. Ultra thin for sensistivity and silver for high visibility. 

Provided with applicator sheet - see instructions below.

These are normally placed on the headsail at about mid height and 10% of the local chord width back from the luff. Fit the starboard tell tail 50-100 mm above the port tell tail. This relationship (same as sail numbers) helps to get familiar with their use.

When sailing to windward and on a reach, when the sail is trimmed correctly for the course steered, the tell tails will stream smoothly along the sail. If one flutters wildly or breaks away from the surface of the sail it is because the flow over the tell tail is separated and turbulent. To restore the flow, steer away the side that is fluttering or re-sheet the sail accordingly.

When sailing downwind the flow will may be fully turbulent and stalled so the tell tails will be of little use. But often, even at wider sheeting angles, it is useful to keep smooth flow over the sails if possible.

Application

An applicator sheet is provided to assist the correct placement of the tell-tails on the sails. Use as follows:

• Peel the paper backing off the applicator sheet
• Place adhesive side of the applicator sheet onto the end of the tell tail opposite the double sided tape
• Remove the paper protective backing from the double sided tape on the tell tail
• Place the tell tail onto the sail where required and smooth down onto the sail
• Carefully remove the applicator sheet.

Also known as tell tales, telltales, tell tails, telltails, or tell-tails in the sailing context.