i step my pole usually alone on my h17. i have found it easier to take the boat of the trailer where you want to rig and launch. unlike rigging, step the mast with the wind aft. since you only sail on wind days, the breeze will hold the pole foward and the stays tight. stays should be in the upper most hole. once up, grab the forestay walk to the bow with some pressure foreward and down on it. hook it up, turn the boat into the wind a finish the rigging. taking it down is the same. i have also destepped the mast with the boat on the trailer- just tie a rope from the thing that holds the mast on the tongue as high up as possible and to the mast as high as possible. tie the knot at the mast. this will hold the mast forward while undoing the forestay and getting up on the boat. always make sure the area is totally clear. always try to find someone to help.