Cunningham Systems

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.

cunham2.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Single 348
2146
352
2650
2149
2659
 
B Stand-up 349 2652  
C Cheek 350 2644  
D Cam cleat 470
474
459
458
 

 

8:1 Cascaded

The most basic cunningham is a self-cleating 4:1 tackle positioned at the mastbase.

cunham1.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Fiddle 244
2655
2655 2655
2621
B Fiddle 245
2658
2658 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.

cunham3.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Single 348
2650
   
B Downhaul 392     

 

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.

cunham4-2005c.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Triple 2640 2604 2664
B Triple 2613 2630 2686

 

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.

cunham5.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Single 348
2146
2650
2149
2152
B Cheek 350 2644 2606
C Cam cleat 468
365
365
150
150
D Bullseye 339 339
237
237

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