Okay, I'm entirely new to this forum and new to cat-sailing in general. I purchased a Nacra 5.0 a couple of months ago. I've gone through the rigamorole to get the title transfered for the boat and I've gotten the trailer back in safe, working order. I am embarrassed to say that it has only been on the water twice since its purchase <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

But, I have one huge problem. The mast on this boat is Humongous. This boat replaced a little FJ that had a comparatively tiny mast that I could raise solo, by hand with no problems. Now, obviously I can't expect that ease with my current rig, but it is still a giant hassle.

I've been trying a variety of handwinch-based ideas. But, no matter what, I still end up having a minimum of two people helping me keep the mast from swaying from left to right as I yank it up, with a winch. That rotating mast seems to make this swinging very easy and very dangerous. I can raise it vertically without too much trouble...if I can keep it from swaying as much as it wants to.

I know, there's probably some old cat-sailing salt answer that a newbie like me wouldn't think of, but could you enlighten me to it please. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.