Is there a need to step from the rear?

On my boat (NACRA) I connect forestays, and one side shroud. With hulls on land and mast forward and on the mast ball, just keep pressure against the connected rigging to keep it in tension and you can walk the mast up hand over hand. Mast rake will eventually "pull" mast into position, and grabbing an untethered trap wire to hold in place. Simply step over hull and attach the remaining shroud. My mast is aluminum and 31 feet and I have no problems, other than the initial "boost" up into the air. Does need to have the base connected to keep from jumping off the ball. Taking it down is same process reversed. If windy, keep boat pointed into the wind - it will help during raise or lowering.

Make sure the attached rigging isn't looped under the hull - keeps from swearing a lot and having to let mast down to bring shroud out from under hull. I do have 2 forestays as well as two shrouds - so I have three of four rigging wires pre-connected before lifting mast.