I go up at the start and finish of each season to install/remove the electronic wind indicator and the Windex so that the crane hook can't damage them. Our system of lifting the mast uses a 135' length of rope that is looped under both the lower and upper spreaders and extends above the mast top. Once the mast is hanging from the rope, for the haulout time, one can pull the heel of the mast aft and it gradually comes to the horizontal as the rope slides along the crane hook. Launching is the opposite action. In the photo we have already removed the sails and the boom. David Salter (s/v #050, Opportunity)