Telltales

[bdpvt]

I am the new owner of a '77 Daysailer II in need of some TLC. We just purchased new sails from Intensity and the are fantastic. My question is where to place the telltales? My old sails had none and I don't have a clue where the best location might be. Hoping some of you more experienced sailors can help.

[jeadstx]

My preference is to use a roll of 1" surveyor flagging. It's inexpensive, the material is light weight and works great.Whenever I need new telltales I tear off a piece (1 to 1.5 feet long) and tie it to the side stay on each side. I've been working on the same roll for 5 years now.

John

[Kleanbore]

Place telltales 8 to 10" back from the luff spaced 25% - 50% - 75% from the head. Adjust up and down as necessary to avoid the telltales sticking on a panel seal in full up and down positions. I prefer to use luff tales from the battens on the mainsail.
John's tip on surveyor tape on the side stays helps keep in touch with apparent wind without straining your neck to look at the vane on top of the mast.