The problem gets to be when the wind is blowing 10-20 mph. There is so much force on the flapping sail, that it is almost impossible to get the mast vertical and in the step.
I had tried turning the boat on its side when rigging on the sand. It seemed to work okay once you get the balancing worked out. I've wondered if some day when it's really blowing I'm going to try to pull the mast out capsized at the dock!
One rule of thumb I heard before. You can use your ability to step the mast in a breeze to gauge your ability to sail in that same breeze. For example if you can't step the mast during a 15 knot breeze, you may not have the strength to control the boat properly in a 15 knot breeze.
IOne rule of thumb I heard before. You can use your ability to step the mast in a breeze to gauge your ability to sail in that same breeze. For example if you can't step the mast during a 15 knot breeze, you may not have the strength to control the boat properly in a 15 knot breeze.
I once tried rigging the mast and boom together before stepping the mast. I just about broke my back.
/snip
It's really not hard, but does require confidence in the technique, and practice, to control the rig rather than the rig controlling you!