Much like the suggestion above about the topping lift cleat on the mast, we have one for the spin halyard just below the mast exit. Works great for both hoists and douses. On hoists, the mast person gets the chute up and cleated and the pit person catches up when they can. On douses, just before the chute is ready to come down, we release from the cockpit stopper (after checking to be sure it's in the mast cleat) and pull the halyard forward to the mast base. Then the mast person can feed out the halyard as the pit person collects the chute without any conflict.
Just wondering, those of you who douse through the front hatch and leave lines connected. Don't you have any waves and/or spray where you sail?
