Major incident heading south through the Messina straits. Hoisted the genoa for the first time to take advantage of light following winds. When fully unfurled it immediately came down into the water. The genoa halyard had not been secured. Throttled back to neutral immediately. Matt and I dragged the sail back onto the foredeck. No damage, but it will require a serous effort up the mast to mouse the halyard back in. Annoying is an understatement!