Positioning Tell-Tales On The Main?

[zz4gta]

Just added Whitney Houston to my main sail leech. It's really hard to find cassette tapes these days.

I like the tape stuff better b/c it doesn't stick to the sail nearly as much as the yarn. My racing headsail has yarn, and I can't stand it. Just not sure what sticky tape to use when I replace them with VHS stuff.

Edit: most of the time, when it sticks, it sticks to the stitching, not the actual sail. So if you put them in a place where they won't hit the stitching, you'll probably be ok.

[capttb]

I'm using the ones with ribbons made of lightweight ripstop nylon, same brand as the yarn ones I think, they'll take a kink in light airs that might bother someone with OCD (not that I'VE let it annoy me for hours).

[LakeEscape]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Another good material, although not as colorful, is VHS or 8mm video tape. It works fairly well as tell tale material.

I like the "green" initiative, recycling those old tapes. I for one prefer old PBS mini-series'.

LakeEscape

[Neicy]

How about some old Beta tapes?

[Vitesse473]

Originally Posted by LakeEscape

I like the "green" initiative, recycling those old tapes. I for one prefer old PBS mini-series'.

LakeEscape

Have you calculated the half-life on 8mm tape? That's why I use cassette tape. Half the thickness and thus half the half-life.

Actually, I don't really care. I'm sailing and not motoring, so my footprint is tiny. Makes up for the two giant V8's we drive.

[Skipaway]

Great ideas. But this dummy must have missed something. How do you attach the mylar/audio/video tape streamers to the sail?

[sailingdog]

Easiest way is to use a piece of sail-repair tape to attach it. Or you can use a sail needle and some tenara thread to sew the end of the tape to the sail.

[Skipaway]

Thank you.

[EO32]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Easiest way is to use some tenara thread to sew the end of the tape to the sail.

What is "tenara thread"?

[sailingdog]

Tenara thread is a highly UV-resistant thread that is meant for making sails, biminis and other outdoor canvas products. It is made from PTFE or Gore-tex.