Tell Tales

Small strips of lightweight material, such as yarn or ribbon, attached to a sail or rigging to indicate airflow and help sailors optimise sail trim and performance.

Tell-tales are an essential tool for sailors, providing visual feedback on the airflow over a sail’s surface. Typically made from lightweight materials like yarn, ribbon, or even thin strips of fabric, they are strategically placed on both sides of the sail, often near the luff (the leading edge) or other critical areas. Their primary purpose is to help sailors gauge whether the sail is trimmed correctly to take full advantage of the wind. When the tell-tales stream smoothly backwards, it indicates that the airflow is laminar, meaning the sail is properly trimmed for optimal performance. If the tell-tales flutter or droop erratically, it suggests turbulence or stalled airflow, signalling the need for adjustments to the sail’s angle or tension.

Tell-tales are particularly useful when sailing upwind, as they allow the helmsman or trimmer to maintain the correct angle of attack to the wind. They also assist in fine-tuning the balance between the mainsail and headsail, ensuring the boat remains efficient and easy to handle. While tell-tales are most commonly associated with sails, they can also be found on standing rigging or shrouds to provide additional information about wind direction and strength. Proper use of tell-tales requires practice and a keen eye, but mastering their interpretation can significantly enhance a sailor’s ability to harness the wind effectively.