Mmm, are we the only boat where the crew handles the mainsheet all the time if trapezeing?
We stay on the wire, crew trimming mainsail while skipper runs the downhaul. Tacking, we stay on the wire until the boat is well into the tack, then we move a bit back and in. We stay on the leeward side as long as is prudent, before skipper moves over and crew follows.
Crew is responsible for tightening mainsheet properly when going into the tack, and easing it when we are as good as head to wind.
On the other tack, skipper goes trapping almost as fast as crew, even if he have to bring the tiller behind the mainsheet.
We started doing this last year, and after some practice we have found it to be just great. Crew is responsible for trimming the sail (and speed), as he have boat hands free, and skipper concentrates on steering the boat. When going onto the trapeze again, skipper just need to bring the downhaul line and tiller (skipper can pick up the downhaul line later as well, as it's easy to reach). We never hold on to the trapeze handle when going out, just when going in.
All respect to you solo guys! Bringing mainsheet, downhaul and mainsheet-traveller out would have stressed me.. Soloing a sloop rigged boat without a self-tacking jib must be extra slow when tacking?