Electric winch with the line going through a closed clutch going up. I weigh the same as our mainsail, and the 1/2" T-900 vectran halyard is work load rated to lift our boat so I don't have fear of the line parting. The most danger is coming down, but we keep 3 wraps on the winch as the line is let out, so if the tail is released, an overwrap will occur almost instantly and stop further release. Besides, when coming down, I'm always gripping something up there that can hold my weight.

I view this as much less risky than many other things I do on board in a manner considered good SOP.

Mark