One thing I do slightly different for the M17 is to attach a lift line to the jib halyard, run the line through a snatch block at the stem head, then back to a sheet winch...typically the port side. I can then lift and "grind" the mast up from the cockpit, keeping track of everything that might snag on the way up. Once the mast is up to a vertical position, I cleat the lift line off, then move forward to pin the forestay into place. If you attach the lift line to the forestay instead of the jib halyard, you have to "give it up" to pin the forestay. I bring it down the same way. It happens in slow motion and under control all the way.
Howard M17, #278 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
