Brian,
If you want to sail it Mk II the answer to your question is real easy.....absobloodylutey...it does get in the way and your crew will find it a real pain..

Hate to be the carrier of bad news, but think you already knew that.

There are a few arrangements that are sort of comprises...but a well set up system on the rear beam works fine.

David
"Banh Sidhe"