I have used McLube spray on the sail slugs and sprayed the mast track as well, the stuff doesn't stain, and it really makes a huge difference. The spray is available at most yards and boating stores.
If that doesn't help a lot, I would suggest getting a look at the sheave at the masthead to make sure it is rotating, and that the halyard is actually in the groove and not jammed alongside it.
The sail should go up fairly easily with one person on the winch, and it should come down by itself when the halyard is released.
If that doesn't help a lot, I would suggest getting a look at the sheave at the masthead to make sure it is rotating, and that the halyard is actually in the groove and not jammed alongside it.
The sail should go up fairly easily with one person on the winch, and it should come down by itself when the halyard is released.