Reading Telltales for Sail Trim

Upwind Jib Trim
- Head up till telltales are just starting to lift up beyond flowing straight back
- If top set of telltales lift first, the jib is twisted too little at the top: move the jib car forward, pulling down on the leech more to close the top of the jib
- If the bottom set of telltales lift first, the top is too twisted and the bottom is open, move the jib car back
- When jib is properly trimmed, steer so all telltales flow straight back
  - If all the windward telltales lift up, bear off
  - If all the leeward telltales fall down, head up
Upwind Main Trim
- Top telltale should fly behind the main about 40% of the time. Sheet in till this happens
- If all telltales are behind the sail, ease the mainsheet
Reaching Jib Trim
- Sheet jib in if windward telltales are lifting up or falling down
- Sheet jib out if leeward telltales fall down
- If upper telltales fall down first, the top is twisted; move jib car forward
Reaching Main Trim
- All telltales should be streaming straight back, occasionally dropping behind the sail