Tell Tails on Shrouds

[dawntreader]

I've noticed, particularly on 'French' boats, that they very often use 'tell tails' tied onto mast shrouds at eye height. I take it these are used to indicate wind direction onto the main sail - but am not sure. If they are, would they be more effective than wind instruments and would there be a variation in wind direction at sea-level v. mast top that would make a difference - especially to a 'cruiser'?

[GeoffV]

I have used them since my first small boat that only had a compass. Simple, effective and very little to go wrong.

Its at a convenient height in your sightline as you scan around - whats not to like!

You can use it to compare with the upper wind especially if you have a tall mast and windex, but for the average cruising sailor with often an overloaded boat it wont have the same effect on your actions as on a racing crew.

[dawntreader]

Great - thanks 

[sy_Anniina]

I have been playing with similar idea in the middle of spinnaker pole - would make it perfectly easy to adjust the pole perpendicular to wind.

This is a mod I will try next summer - this summer I just managed to fly the kite about three times.

Tommi
s/y Anniina

[MarkTheBike]

Like GeoffV, I've used them on all previous boats, racing or otherwise and especially with our Contessa 32 - no electronics, just compass, trailed log and hawk so very useful for quick confirmation of back-of-the-neck wind shifts (especially poled-out on a run). I put them on Figaro but don't use them as much as I should. Returning to sailing after 20-odd years, I was really surprised at how few boats nowadays have them. They're so useful and easy; as G says, what's not to like?

[Sitesurfer]

this summer I just managed to fly the kite about three times.

Show off!
That's about 3 times more than the average spinnaker on a cruising yacht 

[sy_Anniina]

Show off!
That's about 3 times more than the average spinnaker on a cruising yacht 

Have to admit - 1 out of those 3 was a combination of training and showoff. Had committed to produce a colorful wall-size photo, so had to fly the kite just for the photo in conditions I would normally have just motored the longer transfer leg. But it resulted in a stunning showpiece in our living-room.

[Sitesurfer]

I can't wait till I can afford another cruising chute, this boat has never had one (still has the factory mousing lines in the mast!) and I did love flying it (on rare occasions) on my last boat, although I suspect that this one is going to be a bit more of a handful.