Things can happen to experienced sailors too. We helped an accomplished big boat sailor rig his H16 that had sat in the lot for like 4 years, he needed a refresher. Things were going well, the mast was up (on the trailer), he was "good to go" so we went for a quick spin on our already rigged boat. Expecting him to be on the water after what seemed forever, we went back to see what was up? He explained that one of his son's friends had accidentaly yanked on the main halyard, sending the business end to the top of the mast, and after much deliberation decided he should be the one to shinny up there and retrieve it! Which is exactly what he did! The thought never crossed his mind to lay down the mast or take the boat off the trailer and flip sideways.