How to get center tell tails streaming.

danielt1263

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 21, 2013

Last visit: Nov 17, 2024

Posts: 109
Posted: Nov 15, 2024 - 09:10 PM

I've noticed and issue with my mainsail... I have three sets of tell tails on it, top, middle, & bottom. When close hauled, I can easily get the top and bottom tails to stream nice, as well as the leeward middle one, but the windward middle tail will be flipping up.

I'm not entirely sure what control I need to fix that, or if maybe I should leave it be. A couple of ideas I've had, but haven't had the chance to try yet...

1) Maybe more downhaul to flatten the sail.
2) Maybe the battens near the center of the sail are too tight and I need to loosen them a bit.

What do you think might be the issue?
shortyfox

Rank: Mate

Registered: Apr 07, 2017

Last visit: Nov 16, 2024

Posts: 366
Posted: Nov 16, 2024 - 07:22 AM

I would try #2. Tell tails on the windward side that are too far forward will encounter turbulence from air going around the mast. Don't get too obsessed with this, it is generally difficult to get all of them steaming back at the same time, it is the ones on the leeward side of the main that are much more important and it is easier to get them to behave.

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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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Guest

Registered: Jan 01, 2024

Last visit: Jan 01, 2024

Posts: 0
Posted: Nov 18, 2024 - 02:34 AM

Thanks to shortyfox for providing me with an objective and clear view of the issue.

Edit by: Raft Wars