You have to make sure the 'S' hook is pointing the right way, otherwise its hard to hook or unhook the halyard. If pointing to the wind its generally easy. SOmetimes it helps to move the clew of the jib around and rotate it towards either bow.

My P19 came with a different set up cleating the halyard to the mast as the previous owner had lots of trouble with the system. I changed it and it has worked OK since.