stepping
Two can do it, but three is better. Check the shrouds closely before you try to raise it. The upper connections can come free of the mast and the chain plate attachments tend to get in positions that result in bending. I find that a little tape to hold the turnbuckles in proper position avoids damage. Also pay attention to the upper shroud at the spreaders. The wire can catch on the end of the spreader and pull the spreader out of place or damage it.
The spreaders are designed in a way that makes it best to raise the mast with the top extending past the stern if the shrouds are attached to the chainplates prior to raising the most. Turnbuckles need to be extended to make sure the shrouds are not too tight when the mast is raised. Also, you will need to place a life vest or something on top of the closed main hatch to spread the load of the mast that will end up partially supported by that hatch for a while. Putting something under the mast to support it where it hangs off the stern would also be a great help. Tie off the jib halyard exiting the bottom of the mast and make sure you will be able to reach and pull on the sail end of the halyard during the mast lift. Watching any electrical connectors that might be there, put in the back mast pin (helper will need to lift the mast and jiggle a bit). Once the pin is in, check the shrouds and stays again (back stay attached, forestay not attached) and start the lift. One person lifts/pushes the mast as vertically as possible (this is where the third person would help) and the other assists until the mast is high enough for him to switch to the jib halyard to pull the mast the rest of the way. Keeping an eye on the shrouds, take the mast to vertical. Attach the jib halyard at the bow (not too tight) to hold the mast and, with the jiggling help of your assistant, put in the front mast pin. Next, attach the forestay at the bow. Tighten up/Tune up the mast shrouds/stays and you're done. Total time should be less than 30 minutes after some practice.
