As always, the group is quick to provide well thought out advice. I appreciate everyone's response and will go out and reseal that mast. Good news is that I have a pool in my back yard big enough to float a sealed mast, or leak test one that isn't.
As far as the retrieval techniques are concerned, it's clear that I futzted around way too long getting to the bottom side and forward of the boat.
So advised, and with a properly sealed mast, I'll be back at it in no time.
Staying upright is indeed the best prevention, and I too have sailed with hulls full of water for ballast. That works, until they get full...
John