The cunningham controls the fore and aft position of draft in the mainsail or genoa and works together with the traveler, mainsheet, outhaul and vang to optimize sail shape and increase boatspeed. Cunningham controls lead to the crew to encourage adjustment as wind speed changes.
Typical Boat Length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)
4:1 Cascaded
This simple 4:1 system leads aft to the cockpit. A favorite on small keelboats and daysailers.

Diagram Ref. |
Description |
Small Boat Part No. |
Midrange Part No. |
Big Boat Part No. |
A |
Single |
2146 |
2148 |
— |
B |
Stand-up |
349 |
2652 |
— |
C |
Cheek |
350 |
2644 |
— |
D |
Cam cleat |
470 |
458 |
— |
|
8:1 Cascaded
The most basic cunningham is a self-cleating 4:1 tackle positioned at the mastbase.

Diagram Ref. |
Description |
Small Boat Part No. |
Midrange Part No. |
Big Boat Part No. |
A |
Fiddle |
244 |
2655 |
2621 |
B |
Fiddle |
245 |
2658 |
2624 |
|
4:1 Double-ended Cascaded
This system is easy to adjust from the trapeze. It’s easy to rig and unrig. Popular on smaller beach cats.

Diagram Ref. |
Description |
Small Boat Part No. |
Midrange Part No. |
Big Boat Part No. |
A |
Single |
348 |
— |
— |
B |
Pivoting lead |
395 |
— |
— |
C |
Cheek |
233 |
— |
— |
|
12:1 Cascaded
This simple 2:1 purchase is attached to a 6:1 cascade for a 12:1 system. Used on larger racing and cruising boats.

Diagram Ref. |
Description |
Small Boat Part No. |
Midrange Part No. |
Big Boat Part No. |
A |
Triple |
344 |
2640 |
2640 |
B |
Triple |
347 |
2648 |
2648 |
|
6:1 Double-ended Jib Downhaul
Small boats like J/24s use a double-ended genoa cunningham system to adjust draft from the weather rail.
|
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