High winds? Easier terzaroli taking with the double cunningham

Much of the new cruising models adopt quick reefing, that system by which the closed-circuit borosa acts on both the mainsail leech and the luff. Maneuvering is done alone from the cockpit, the most protected area of the deck, and thus avoids having to go to the mast to snag the new tack.

A great advantage especially with challenging sea conditions, when moving around the deck is not at all smooth or safe.

Double cunningham, here’s how to install it

For those who do not have this system, there is a perhaps even more effective and reliable alternative adopted long ago on maxis: just use a double cunningham, one for each coat of terzaroli, in addition to the usual borosa that retains its traditional function.

How to make the double cunningham

As visualized in the drawing below, this is basically employing a line to be deferred to the winches to lower the mainsail luff. To achieve this system, two eyebolts must be mounted on the mast at the height of the boom trough, which serve as tack points for each reefing hand in place of the classic steel hook. In some cases, eyebolts can be mounted in the same trough, avoiding drilling holes in the shaft profile. The important thing is that the reefing hand tack is in a position to keep the mainsail luff as close to the mast rail as possible, so as not to stress the carriages or gaffs.

The double cunningham circuit therefore starts at the eyebolts, where the lines are fastened with a bowline or capstan knot, enters the eyelets on the mainsail luff, descends on the other side of the mast to the base and, through a block, goes to the halyards winch passing first inside the stopper. A webbing loop can be attached to the webbing loops of the luff to which a loop and block can be attached to make the loop even smoother.

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