When hoisting the main, I set it a few inches below the masthead so that the top batten doesn't catch on the backstay, so it needs no particular tension. I adjust the luff tension by pulling down on the boom when making the downhaul fast. No need for a halyard winch. Rick M-17 Lynne L ************** AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http... olidays-from-aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear00000001)