If you've ever watched a sailing race, you may have noticed small, narrow ribbons fluttering on the sails. At first glance, these red and green strips of fabric or yarn might seem like decorative accents, but they actually play a crucial role in a sailor's performance.
These ribbons are called telltales, and they act as invaluable guides for sailors. In a way, telltales "tell on" the wind, revealing how air flows across a sail and helping sailors fine-tune their sails for maximum efficiency.
