downhaul [R13]: A device used to tighten the luff of a boom-footed sail by pulling downward on a eyelet in the luff of a mainsail above the tack. This is also known as a Cunningham.
The downhaul on a model yacht is made up of a piece of braided fishing line [R32] and a bowsie [R06]. It attaches to the bottom of the tack of the mainsail and to the bracket where the boom vang attaches.
Mast
Control loop
Downhaul (Cunningham)
Main (sail)
Line
Bowsie
Eyelet
Sources
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- Bowsie – Select medium and black or red in an appropriate quantity. Available from SAILSetc.
- Bowsie – Pekabe 309 Bowsie
- Cyanoacrylate adhesive (thin) – High quality adhesive – available on Amazon.
- Line – Braided fishing line w/abrasive resistant fibers – select 100 lb. rating. Available on Amazon.
