Northern wrote:
I have been raising the mast on my wave almost solo for a few years. I find that I can get the mast up okay, but always have a challenge with connecting the forestay to the bridles. You need to hold the mast upright at the same time trying to grab the bridles, untangle and connect them. Having a spare hand for that has been huge.
I find that having a hand with getting ready to sail, and packing up afterwards is best. When I get onlookers looking to help, I always tell them its a 1 1/2 person job to get things together, or put away afterwards.
Tie the forward end of your main halyard to one of the bow tangs before you lift the mast. Then raise the mast up all the way. Then pull the halyard tight and cleat it off securely at the base of the mast. This will act as a temporary forestay. Then you can jump down and pin the forestay to the bridle using two hands. Finally, release and untie the main halyard - no helpers needed.
sm