Yourbestsailvideo

The genoa telltales

February 18, 2021 · 16 min · 12K views

What this video covers

Trimming a genoa effectively requires monitoring telltales at the luff to ensure both the windward and leeward ribbons stream parallel.2:54 When a telltale flutters, the sail requires adjustment to restore laminar flow: if the leeward telltale lifts, the sail is stalled and needs to be eased or the boat must head up; if the windward telltale lifts, the sail is luffing and needs to be sheeted in or the boat must bear away.4:08 The genoa sheet controls the lower section of the sail, while the genoa lead car position adjusts the twist in the upper section.2:12 Moving the lead car aft increases twist to spill power from the top of the sail, which reduces heel in heavy air.12:40 If the middle telltales remain inconsistent after adjusting the sheet and lead car, the forestay tension likely requires adjustment via the backstay.15:12 Proper trim involves an iterative process of balancing sheet tension for the lower sail and lead car position for the upper sail.11:55

Watch on YouTube

More from Yourbestsail

The function of the centerboardAug 2026Marinas and Yacht Clubs: ProceduresAug 2026The 10 most common mistakes when docking a boatJun 2026Anchoring: wave diffractionJun 2026

From Yourbestsail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue