Mast down. This was my first ever solo drop of the mast. Only real issue was using a temporary forestay substitute...the main halyard lead forward and around the beack wheels axle, then back to be tied off at the mast where I could easily release it when I was in position on the tramp behind the mast and holding the mast in place. Once it was rigged, I could remove the pin from the forestay with confidence the mast wouldn't fall down while I got into position.
also depicted here is the plastic (Teflon?) bearing washer from a Hobie cat (H20?) that nicely solved a squeaking mast ball & socket.