Solo Sailing

I sailed my 2011 Getaway solo for 10 years without major problems. Just replaced it with a new 2021 Getaway and first time out I found it impossible to fully raise the main by myself. Got it up within about 8 or 9" of the top and then it sticks in the rail. Has something changed? Will a little silicone spray solve the problem.

I've had more problems hoisting the main since I fitted a replacement halyard (under warranty).
The new halyard has a different outer material it seems which had split in places, allowing the core to squeeze through while still in the packaging. I think the coil had got crushed in the packaging so forcing the core through where the rope bends in each coil.
Anyway it was easy to get the core back in by stretching the outer sheath. However like you I find the new halyard is making it harder than the original to hoist the main, but it does go up as long as the mast is rotated so it is in line with the main (boat head to wind of course). I would want to lubricate the luff sleeve as it has the potential to stain the sail.

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Ashus
Mirror, Bosun, Laser, Fireball, Hobie 16, Dart 18, IOR 1 Tonner, 1720, Ozgoose, Hobie Getaway

I'm not clear on all the terminology but the leading edge of the 2021 mainsail that gets inserted into the track on the mast seems much softer/less stiff than on my 2011 sail. As a result, when I get within a foot of fully raised, even if headed directly into the wind, the portion of the sail that is not yet in the track is being blown backwards at an angle, and trying to raise it further results in it getting jammed at the track entrance. It's definitely not lubrication as the sail drops smoothly and easily when being lowered. I'm just hoping that this problem has a solution that doesn't include always having to find a crewmate. How about some sort of wich to pull up the sail while I feed it into the track?

I'm interested in this as well. I'm fortunate in that I've always have at least 1 other on board. I have always wondered how difficult it would be by myself, I know guys do it. Of course into the wind but the sail battens snag on the wings. When I look up the mast I can see a slight bow if it's windy & I think that's the toughest thing.

Pull down and tension the halyard and cleat it. Put a hand on each side of the sail above the feeder and push up. Retension and repeat.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

I'll need to try that. I normally never cleat untill it's up all the way