I'm getting into my traveling season and was thinking it would save some time if I could raise the mast from the bow end rather than the stern. Anyone ever tried it? The A cats do it, any reason we couldn't/shouldn't?
It works and you avoid having to rotate the mast to step it.
2 problems though.
1) On the Blade the jib track is fixed and you have to clear it to make the pin connection. The end has to be raised so you can not just lay it on the ground. Ok if you have hlep but it requires some stand to do alone.
2) There is just 1 forestay. On an A they run 2 forestays and no bridal. The mast stepped forward has the sides undone. Once up with a single forestay, there is no side support for the mast while you fasten the sides. It is more tricky to hold and dnagerous if a gust comes from the side.
Otherwise go for it
