Hack,

I can get mine up about 3/4 of the way ten i push the sail up like gary said by each batton pocket, as the sail has the luff curve and mast is straight. push the sail into the back of the mast and up then pull halyard.

Ring on hook: make sure u have the the halyard in between the mast and ring, so in order on side view you have the Mast, halyard, ring.

Matt