I haven't installed the pole yet... maybe this weekend if the TS doesn't hit us. I was standing on the ground about 10 feet from the hulls. My boat is old (1984) so I wouldn't stand on it out of the water on it's side. I weigh just under 150 pounds, so I am pretty sure that I won't be able to right it solo, even in a decent breeze. The way I have heard though, if there is enough wind to knock me over, there should be enough to right me (stupidity aside). The pole would definately give me some good leverage in the lighter winds.

Rob
Panama City
Nacra 5.2