Telltales are placed in pairs on either side of the sail. You can monitor them by following these simple things.
- Both streaming straight back: Your sail is perfectly trimmed. Airflow is smooth on both sides, generating maximum power and lift.
- The windward (inside) telltale is fluttering or lifting: You are sailing too close to the wind, or the sail is trimmed too loosely. You should steer slightly away from the wind (head down) or pull the sail sheet in until it flows smoothly.
- The leeward (outside) telltale is fluttering or stalling: You are sailing too far from the wind, or the sail is trimmed too tight. You should steer closer to the wind (head up) or ease the sail sheet until it streams straight.
Bow-down Speed-building Mode: Leeward telltale dances and windward telltale streams straight back. This mode is used for building speed when coming out of a tack.
Max Speed Mode: Both telltales stream straight back.
Pointing Mode: Leeward telltale streams aft and windward telltale dances between straight back and 45 degrees above horizontal. This mode is used when sailing to windward in flat water in winds over 10 knots.
Pinching Mode: Leeward telltale streams aft and windward telltale stands straight up. Used when trying to overtake another boat or make it around a buoy.
