Tell tales (not tails) are exactly what their name suggests.

They tell the tale of what you are doing (be it right or wrong).

If the TT on the windward side of your sail is flapping, you are probably sailing too close to the wind.

If the TT on the leeward side of your sail is flapping, you may be sailing too far off the wind.

I may be right, or I may be wrong, but I might just be the lunatic your'e looking for.

Any others care to comment??

Hi Allen, there is a good description of the placement and use of Tell Tales if you use Mr Google to look at www.wb-sails.fi/portals by WB Sails called "Telling Tales". It covers important aspects of Sail Trim and the actions of the state of Tell Tales quite plainly. There are plenty of other sites also.

Basically it suggests that tell tales on both sides of the sail should be lying horizontal as should the tell tales on the Sail Leech, and why. It also considers the state of the Sail Luff and why it is necessary to have Sail Twist.

Don't forget to watch you don't hit someone while you are totally engrossed in setting the tales and keep in mind that you will eventually get a feel for the best sail settings after using the tales as a learning method for trim. Just a glance up the mast now and then is all that is needed.

Regards...W