On the Chesapeake Bay, a lot of folks have two cleats for the topping lift. The "normal" one remains on the cabin top for the pit crew to work and another one is added on the mast just below the exit point. With the cleat on the mast, the bowman can cleat off the topping lift, and then release it him/herself when performing the douse. At that time, the pit person is usually active stuffing the chute down the companionway.
