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January 12, 2024 2 min read
Two types of tell tales are most commonly used on dinghies and keelboats. Leech and luff tell tales.
Leech tell tales are located on the back edge of the sail and are made from lightweight spinnaker/ streamer material. These will tell you how to trim your sail depending on what side of the sail the tell tale is curling towards or if it is flying freely.
Luff tell tales are located parallel to the bolt rope or luff tube. They are usually located approximately 50 to 60 cm inwards on the Laser sail. These are positioned in a way they can be seen and in the best-undisturbed wind in the deepest part of the sail. These will tell you about your angle if you are pinching too close to the wind or if the wind is stalling out of the top of the sail.
ILCA 7 /Laser Standard
A general rule of thumb for the position on the lowest tell tail on a standard sail is 80cm up from the foot and 60cm in from the luff sleeve. For the next one up 150cm up and 40cm in.
ILCA 6 / Laser Radial
A general rule of thumb for the position on the lowest tell tail on a standard sail is 80cm up from the foot and 50cm in from the luff sleeve. For the next one up 130cm up and 50cm in.
ILCA 4 /Laser 4.7
A general rule of thumb for the position on the lowest tell tail on a standard sail is 70cm up from the foot and 50cm in from the luff sleeve. For the next one up 120cm up and 40cm in.
Some ILCA sails come with a tiny X where the tell tales should go. These small pencil markings are just visible when new to give you an idea of where to put the tell tales.
Telltales allow you to help you see what the winds flow over the sail; without them, you wouldn't be able to see this.
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I rang to request some advice on replacement parts for my dinghy and was very impressed with the excellent advice and efficient delivery of the required parts. Many thanks
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It was time for me to upgrade to a newer Ilca and it was recommended that I get a Devoti. The price was competitive and the service from Andrew and his team was fantastic. I received lots of communication and the boat was delivered to me within 2 weeks. It is really great that Sailing Chandlery take the time to set up the rigging so that you can get straight on the water. I am very pleased with my new boat and am loving sailing it. Thank you Sailing Chandlery!
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My local chandlery were unable to supply a white inspection hatch and so it was amatter of looking online. Sailing Chandlery had the cover I needed in stock at a good price and delivery. I had never used them before but the service I received was excellent with the delivery on time and the hatch is now fitted.
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Always happy with my orders from Sailing Chandlery. They are quick to post and very helpful when I have had a question.
Jason delivered the boat on time at Hayling Island Sailing Club. The boat was new and all the spars were in perfect condition. Jason came to pick up the boat and return the deposit which I gave at the time of the delivery. Every interaction with Andrew and Jason were handled very professionally. I will recommend to any sailor Sailing Chandlery in the future. I really appreciated how easy it was to charter this boat. Thank you very much. Jacques Kerrest
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