After reading all of the replies, I MAY have another idea.

When we started cruising I rigged a Jib downhaul. That way, I only needed to go as far as the mast to raise or lower the jib. Have not (YET) added roller furling. It's been working super for all of our travels. It's a simple line to a roller on shackle at the top of the jib. It runs down to a small turning block at the bow, then through a couple of fair leads to a cleat near the cockpit. When I go forward to lower the jib, Jill tugs the downhaul if/when needed.

Recently, on our cruising this year, I have been playing with our Mainster, loose footed, light wind main. The photo at the bottom shows it at the dock. It came with a sock to douse it, but I was unhappy with the "bunch" up at the top of the mast. So, I have added a downhaul like the one on our jib. A simple 1/4 inch line running from the head of the sail, through a couple of fair leads to a cleat near the cockpit (or may be at the base of the mast).

Just an idea.

Greg