you can also mount the winch a bit higher than the loaded line so it hits the lower flared base and is forced to ride up to the drum. Our clutches were mounted close to the winch with the exit a bit below the top of the flare. That worked fine for us since the clutches were very close but if it's a longer run the winch has to be tilted or you're going to have trouble. We always had a knife within reach to cut a line (any line) in a panic situation, hopefully not when raising someone up the mast.

Damn, I keep thinking about having your hand or fingers severed since SG posted.