CHAPTER 7 PAGE 23.


To Trim: 1. Just Right: You can find the basic, proper sail trim for upwind sailing and beam reaching by letting the sails out until they just start to luff–the leading edge flutters or looks like it’s beginning to


“boil” {see middle illustration}–and then trimming in slowly until the luffing stops. Proper sail trim will make the boat go faster. For downwind sailing, set the sails at right angles to the wind.


One aid to sail trim is the telltale. Telltales are pieces of yarn or cloth attached to both sides of the sail near the luff.


2. Too little trim: Luffing is a sign of uneven air flow over the sail with too little pressure on the windward side. Te windward telltale will flutter around. Trim the sail slightly until the telltales stream to correct the problem. Undertrimming slows the boat and positions the sail too far out. You can do this on purpose to slow down, or reduce heel.


3. Too much trim: If the sheet is too tight, you are overtrimming the sail. Te sail won’t luff, but the air flow puts too much pressure on the windward side of the sail. Te leeward telltale will flutter or droop. Ease the sail to correct the problem. Overtrimming not only slows the boat but can cause it to heel more.


Telltale Guide


Use telltales for better sail trim. Te yarns or ribbons show the airflow over both sides of the sail.


Telltales streaming straight back: good trim.


Windward telltale dances or droops: trim in the sail or head down by moving the tiller slightly toward the fluttering telltale.


Leeward telltale dances or droops: ease out the sails or move the tiller slightly toward the fluttering/drooping telltale.


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