I have some old mainsheets and jib sheets..... we join them to create a hoisting line. Let out the main halyard all the way, so the figure 8 knot is at the base of the mast. We attach the hoisting line to the ring of the main halyard, and round up a volunteer (usually a Tornado sailor). Volunteer takes the end of the hoisting line, places it around their hips like mountain climbers do, and stands about 30 feet in front of the H18. I jump up on the tramp, crew lifts the mast up a bit, I grab the mast and hoist it above my head. At this point, the volunteer takes up the slack and starts the 'raise', usually by walking backwards carefully. I continue to lift the mast, walking forward on the trampoline... Crew helps me keep the mast vertical by using trap handles, and also helps by getting rid of any tangles or things getting hung up. At my old club, a buddy used to place the H18 on cat trax, one set under each cross bar, then tie the bitter end of the hoisting line to a handy tree, jump up on the tramp to start the mast raise, and crew would gently push the H18 backwards.....Yikes!
Whatever you do, stay away from power lines, and do it with safety in mind.
_________________ 2015 H16, with spin, SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..." 'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'
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