DaySailer.org Forum

So I've got a new jib and now I'm wondering "Where do I put the telltales?" I found some general instructions online, but I'm wondering if there are some specific measurements for the Daysailer that others are using.

Thanks for any help!

Mark the jib luff at the half and each quarter. 6 inches back from this leading edge is where you would place your THREE sets of tell tales.

A further set called steering telltales (for the more advanced sailor) can be placed according to this video clip. If doing this, you can eliminate the lower set of telltales and place them at the 1/3 up 1/3 down along the luff. In this video he separates the starboard and port telltales by a 1/4". I would separate them by 2" with the starboard higher. With the sun behind the sail it is difficult to tell which is which by color, so position separation is key.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2358464_addin ... -sail.html

Any advice on telltales for the main sail?

Yeah, I need to put on telltales, too, and found the following, which corroborates the placement for jib, gives placement for main, and additional info on sail trim.

"Install telltales on both sides of the headsail about one foot abaft the luff at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 intervals. On the mainsail, install leech telltales at each batten pocket, install mid-sail telltales at 1/2 and 3/4 heights."

Source: http://www.jasperandbailey.com/tech/news.html

Now, is a telltale something I can buy, or do I just get some yarn and sailtape?

You can buy them. I got mine from my sailmaker, Intensity, but they have them at West Marine, Defender, etc. As you suggest, they are simply yarn stuck to sail tape, so there's no reason you couldn't do it yourself. Get different colors (typically red for port and green for starboard). In certain lighting, that makes it easer to identify which surface of the sail is being affected.

I did not have much luck with my mid-sail telltales on the main, and removed them. But I think I had them too far forward. Maybe I'll try again using the directions you provided. The jib telltales are invaluable.

--Talbot