Telltales on a jib

natejount · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003

The old jib on my old Kells 23 dosen''t have telltales. I bought some and wanted to put them on, but wanted to find out exactly where they need to be. I''m thinking 2 sets, 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up the sail. In looking at 2 different sailing books, I''m guessing they need to be attached a couple of feet from the leading edge of the sail?

AJS · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003

I would think only 6" to a foot from the luff.

Sailormon6 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003

I like telltales about 18" back from the luff of the sail. If they are too close to the luff, they only tell you what the wind is doing at that point, where the sail is curved the most. If they are positioned a little further aft, they tell you that the laminar flow of air is remaining attached to the sail, on both sides, as it flows aft.

pirateofcapeann · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003

Six inches to one foot back from the luff is the standard. It goes to say that you want to read the turbulence, or lack-there-of, as close to the luff as possible. You could also use the length of the tell-tail it self to set the distance. Also I think you''d be happier using three sets as opposed to two. Place one set half way up the luff and the others about 1/5 the luff length from the tack and head. Once you''re trimmed and all tell-tails "brake" at the same time, then all you''ll need to watch is that bottom set in the jib to determine your steering.