Todd hit the technical points right on the head. one addition: ensure that the jib halyard doesn't foul the ring on its way back down through the jib luff.



on the spiritual side of the operation (you'll learn that this is a BIG part of getting it to work consistently).... keep in mind that this is something you just need to develop a "feel" for, and that only happens over time.



don't get discouraged. and don't spend a half-hour squinting up into the sun, cussing and swearing on the beach because you can't get the goddamn hook to engage. give it a half-dozen tries, and if it doesn't hook, lay the boat over on it's side, hook the ring with it right in your face so you can see it happen, and then just go sailing. you'll get it next time.



once you DO finally develop a feel for it, you'll laugh at all the frustration you endured while learning.