Just an update on the topping lift cleat on the mast idea. In the current issue of Latitude 38 (a Left Coast freebie sailing mag), there was a suggestion to install the Harken cleat "upside down" on the mast above the topping lift exit. That way the foredeck/mast person can control the lift while putting up and/or taking down the pole. Then when the cockpit crew is ready to control the pole, all they have to do is pull on the topping lift, it pops out of the cleat, and they have control in the cockpit. We tried it this Spring when rigging the boat and it works great. Sometimes you just have to slap yourself upside the head and say "why didn't I think of that?" The only caution is that Latitude 38 recommends that your exit plate be the kind with rollers above and below the line so that when you pull up it doesn't chafe.
