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.
A	Single	348 351 352	2650 2651 2659
B	Stand-up	349	2652
C	Cheek	350	2644
D	Cam cleat	358 389	389 357

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	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.

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.

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.

Diagram Ref.	Description	Small Boat Part No.	Midrange Part No.	Big Boat Part No.
A	Single	348 351	2650 2651	2607
B	Cheek	350	2644	2606
C	Cam cleat	338 365	365 150	150
D	Bullseye	339	339 237	237

Cunningham systems

4:1 Cascaded

8:1 Cascaded

4:1 Double-ended Cascaded

12:1 Cascaded

6:1 Double-ended Jib Downhaul