Set the Sail Correctly in a Dinghy

Setting the sail correctly + using the telltales

Steps

  1. Point your boat in the desired direction
  2. Let out your main-sheet until the front of the sail begins to flap
  3. When this happens, sheet in (pull on the main-sheet) until the flapping stops.
  4. Your sail is now set (more or less) optimally.
  5. Learn how to read telltales
  6. When the inside telltale flaps, trim the sail by pulling it in.
  7. When the outside telltale flaps. ease the sail by letting it out

Tips

  • Telltales - these hold the key to perfect sail settings. They are the small dark pieces of string on either side of your sail. When the inside one (the one closer to you) flaps or does not go in straight line, sheet in. When the outside telltale (you can still see it through the sail) flaps, sheet out.
  • If sailing in very low wind, letting go of the main-sheet will not be enough to make the sail go out - push the boom out slowly with your hand and go to step three.

Warnings

  • This is known as being in irons and to get out of this you need to do a push push pull pull. (i.e). Push the sail out using the boom, and at the same time push the tiller. This will then put you in a close hauled or reach point of sailing. Then straighten up the tiller and pull the main sheet in. You will now be out of ions and sailing on a reach or close hauled point of sailing.
  • Do not point your boat into the NO-GO zone. This is the area in which your boat is facing the wind (the sail will flap no matter how hard you pull) - if you stop, you will have no steering control.

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