An easy way to remember this is that when beating, you want to push/pull the tiller in the direction of the fluttering telltail. So if the windward telltail is fluttering, pull the tiller windward, if the leeward telltail is fluttering, push the tiller leeward. Be careful to steer small and remember that as the boat gains speed the apparent wind will shift forward and you will have to fall off.
Something you hit on but may not be clear to new comers is that the response to the tell tails depends on if you are sailing to wind direction, as beating as close as you can or sailing to compass heading. Also, the issue of the sail shape/trim via outhaul, downhaul,sail track car placement ... all affect this. This adds to complications, but will separate winners from losers when racing and efficiency when cruising and is part of the great fun, interest and skill of sailing, get out there and experiment...
Ray, thanks for your comments. Here's a more updated version of my original telltale video that also mentions course changes: ruclips.net/video/sW9lbZSAMrM/видео.html
At certain angles, sunshine shows the shadow of the outer telltale. Use that to spot how it's flying. You can attach telltales to the edge of your leech also.
An easy way to remember this is that when beating, you want to push/pull the tiller in the direction of the fluttering telltail. So if the windward telltail is fluttering, pull the tiller windward, if the leeward telltail is fluttering, push the tiller leeward. Be careful to steer small and remember that as the boat gains speed the apparent wind will shift forward and you will have to fall off.
I know this was 11 years ago but it was exactly the explanation I needed. Thanks!
Now 13 years later, and still a brilliant explanation! Cheers!
Something you hit on but may not be clear to new comers is that the response to the tell tails depends on if you are sailing to wind direction, as beating as close as you can or sailing to compass heading. Also, the issue of the sail shape/trim via outhaul, downhaul,sail track car placement ... all affect this. This adds to complications, but will separate winners from losers when racing and efficiency when cruising and is part of the great fun, interest and skill of sailing, get out there and experiment...
Ray, thanks for your comments. Here's a more updated version of my original telltale video that also mentions course changes: ruclips.net/video/sW9lbZSAMrM/видео.html
At certain angles, sunshine shows the shadow of the outer telltale. Use that to spot how it's flying. You can attach telltales to the edge of your leech also.
I can't see through my sails!
Neither can I!
@@mikew8734 Place port ticklers higher or lower than port ticklers, that makes it easier to see both.