How to Keep Your Telltales From Sticking When Sailing

Telltales are the lifeblood of a trimmer. When they stick, a trimmer loses his or her ability to read the wind accurately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sailing Gloves
• Sailboat Racing Rule Book
• Adhesives
• Rags
• Yarns
• Dry Lubricants
• Sailing Magazines
• Sailboats

1. Clean your sail prior to hoisting. Wipe the telltale area with a moist rag, and then dry it completely, taking care to remove any salt or dirt.
2. Spray the telltale area with a dry marine lubricant to provide a slick surface.
3. Check to see that your telltales are both fastened to the sail securely and are long enough to flap freely, which will give you a better read.
4. Slap your sail firmly with an open hand if the telltales are sticking. When the sail is up and trimmed, the vibration from your slapping will knock the telltale loose.
5. Send your bowperson forward quickly to slap the luff of the sail or to free the telltale by hand only if you are not able to do it from the cockpit or the leeward rail.
6. Wash - or wipe - your sails with freshwater after use, and dry them thoroughly.
7. Store your sails either rolled or flaked carefully in their bags and in a dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep unnecessary weight off the bow whenever possible. If someone has to go forward to clear the telltales, pick the lightest person on board and have them move quickly.
• Place telltales away from stitching in the sail, where they are likely to get caught up.