I have a question about attaching crossbeams to the mast. This seems like a good idea; transferring the heeling load directly from the masts to the beams, but it seems like the hull needs just as much support fore and aft as sideways, the it still needs to be at least 10% of the mast height for adequate mast bury. If this is the case, then what real advantage does it give to attach the beams to the masts, instead of just "near" the masts?

The specific case I am looking at is for a folding system. I had an idea of the masts going inside a 4' sleeve which would be part of the beam. Then, when folding on the water, the beam pivots around the mast. This would give plenty of support against heel, but then it would seem that the beam sleeve would also need a 4' bury in the hull for the fore and aft forces and I haven't gained anything.

Can anyone explain this to me in words small enough for me to understand?

- Gardner