Hi Bob, Yes, start rolling from a middle batten - choose one that lets you roll up the head inside the sail; and, yes, you have to remove the top batten from a flat top main first. I usually slide the top batten into the second batten pocket from the top with it sticking out enough for easy retrieval. That way it is close to where I need it and hard to miss so that I do not raise the sail without putting it back in! Starting the roll from a batten makes it much easier to get a good roll going. Some sails may have battens that are at slight angles to each other so that you have to make slight adjustments as you roll the sail to keep the battens parallel but this gets easier the more you do it. In fact, I find it easier to roll the sail by myself than to have help, even on the Mystere 6.0 because I have done it hundreds of times alone and it is just second nature to me that way. Another tip: If you have a jib to roll up also it is easy to lay the jib on top of the main before you start and roll the jib up inside the main. I did not mention before that you should place sails on grass and never concrete, asphalt, stones, etc. for drying and rolling. That can be very damaging and staining. While you roll you can wipe/flick off anything on the sail(s) and check for wear and tear.