Mary, I am not sure, and I am not afraid to answer. On Triceratops, F31R, I am the principle helm. Mostly because I am the one that that seemed to have the fastest learning curve, and that machismo to go out and sail in conditions that really challenged me. I was also lucky to have a Tornado sailor join us and teach us how to really sail our boat. My wife just doesn't feel comfortable at the helm. AS much as I would like her to take it, and for our boat it is probably one of the less physically demanding positions, she just doesn't like to but she is getting better. another Female crew and friend wouldn't think twice if I handed her the helm, actually she would rip it out of my hands if she thought she could get away with it, unfortunately she is really only with us when we are racing and then there is a little tension between her and my wife (one upsmanship I think).
anyhow I have to agree that setting up a beach cat is quite a pain for those that are physically challenged, but there are ways around raising the mast. This is one of the reasons why I sold my cat (stupid thing to do), and bought a tri. now I have to launch on a ramp and all the extra expenses. There is no way my wife would sail without me, but our friend would if I gave her the chance. So I think it really is in the personallity and how much you want to push yourself.