Monday 7/25/11 Question of the week

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Jul 24, 2011 9:37 pm

I'm getting closer to sailing. The rudder is on the building table with 1/4 of the fiberglass on it - but this is a temp to get me into the water for this season! Pictures have been taken, they're just not in photobucket yet.

Just installed the tel tales on my main and found that I do have a reefing point and cunningham gromets. Things are looking up...

And speaking of looking up, my question this week has to do with the top-o-the-mast vane (I have a Windex) and the tel tales. Specifically, how do you use them differently when sailing to the wind VS sailing to a point?

And (since there's no multiple choice this week) I've noticed some attach their tel tales with the aft end streaming from the leach. Others have them installed with the aft end of the ribbon/yarn just ahead of the leach. What would the different installation points tell about sail shape?

Have a great week!!!

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:37 pm

I have tel tails on my standing rigging only, ether side of the mast. My wind vein until my mast re-work job has been installed under the seat in the cabin since I purchased the boat. I have now fabricated it to the top of the mast and can't wait to use it for the first time.

So I have no idea what the differences will be. It's all theory for me but I'll take a shot at it.

Windex/wind vein at the top of the mast is true wind direction.

Tell tails on my standing rigging is relative wind direction. The windward side I have taken for true wind direction. The Leeward side is the relative wind direction.

Tell tails on the sails themselves, I have used to help with my sail trim. I have not had any on my sails since I last sailed a 2 man dingy back in 2007. I would get the tell tails flying at the same level on both sides of the sail at the same level. I took this to be the "right" angle of attack to the wind.

My best guess anyway.

Starboard side tell tail on standing rigging.

Port side tell tail on standing rigging.

Newly installed wind vein at the top of the mast.

Thanks
Alan

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 7:10 pm

wind vane on the masthead will give true wind at a dock or anchor and when moving will show apparent wind. As far as tell tales on main leach I prefer to be forward of the leach as you can distinguish between windward and leeward airflow.