Telltales

What are telltales?

Telltales are thin threads or ribbons attached to sails to make the wind flow visible and enable precise sail trimming. They are essential tools for sailors, helping to optimize the position of the sail in relation to the wind direction.
Telltales are typically placed on the foresails, such as the genoa or jib, on both the windward and leeward sides, ensuring even airflow across the sail. On a close reach or beam reach, telltales indicate whether the sail is correctly trimmed. If the telltales stream straight back, the airflow is ideal. If the windward telltales flutter, the sail is too far out; if the leeward ones flutter, the sail is over-trimmed.
Telltales are also used on the mainsail to monitor airflow along the leech. This helps fine-tune the sail's twist and improve overall boat balance.

Practical tip:

Make sure your telltales are highly visible and check them regularly for wear. While focusing on the telltales, also pay attention to the water movement and wind indicator to get a complete picture of the wind conditions.