Andrei, I am pushing 72, and have been sailing an M-17 since last summer. I can raise or lower the mast solo with no trouble in ten minutes or so, although I keep the boat mast up on a trailer at a marina, so I don't have to do it too often. It does take a little practice to be comfortable with the process, but once I got over my initial trepidations I found that it's very straightforward. You need to rig a line attached to the disconnected forestay through a turning block on the bow chainplate back to the cockpit, but it's mostly for confidence - you won't have to use it much. The shrouds and backstay stay connected. Also crank the trailer tongue down so when it seats the mast is slightly canted forward. Good Luck Rick Davies M-17 Lynne L Hull #633 ************** Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?&NCID=aolfod00030000000002)