Hi Skip, You need a topping lift for the main. Then when you lower the main, the topping lift holds the boom horizontal, and it doesn't drop on your head. Check the M-web site for topping lift installations and instructions. Mine went from the end of the boom to a tiny swivel block at the top of the mast, and the topping lift line then was tied off to a cleat at about boom gooseneck height. This allows you to raise the boom - after dropping the sail - so that you have head clearance in the cockpit. The thing to remember is that you have to loosen the topping lift after you raise the main, so that the main can assume it's proper shape for sailing. i.e., the topping lift has to be loose when the main is raised. When you lower the main, then you can tighten up the topping lift to hold the boom at your desired height. Connie