Having learned the 'rope tricks' once needed to sail a Laser, but we dispensed with the cunningham hook and now just splice or tie and an eye which is lead throught the cunningham cringle (or strap) on the sail and back to the reef hook. This gives you an additional 2:1 purchase, so you can get away with 4:1 for the primary purchase.
+1 (we also use 40mm carbo fiddles for 4:1)
