Tell tales

OK so I have researched Hobie's form for tell tales and found lots of info. I have one question, I tried both yarn and the VCR recording tape. I like the tape better I think but what I find is the two I have on the bridal indicate quite different wind direction than the two I put at different heights on the shrouds. Which one would offer the best source of apparent wind?

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Bridle and windward shroud should be nearly the same.

Most racers don't use ones on the shrouds because they're too hard to look at - the windward shroud is at your back in light air and it's just easier to look forward in heavier air when you're on the wire.

They are all correct. The apparant windspeed and direction varies throughout the height of the rig. This is called the 'wind gradient'. The windspeed at the surface is significantly slower than at the top of the rig (due to the friction generated from passing over water and the energy that goes into wave making). As a result, the apparant wind comes more from the beam up high, and more straight ahead down low. This is one reason why sails need twist.

Reference the wind vane on the bridle wires to define the course you're sailing. Reference the telltails on the sails (particularly the ones up high) for sail trim adjustments. Also, most people don't use telltails on the actual shrouds since they're hard to see and can easily tangle on the trap wires.


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Use the telltales on the bridle wires to set the sail and course. The one on the windward side is in the clear and indicates correctly while the lee side will be affected by airflow around the jib and should be ignored. I use yarn because it withstands highway speed when I am trailering the boat but the tape will tear off. As mentioned above, sail trim is done with the telltales on the sail. Set the main first then set the jib.

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Howard