I went ahead and rigged my topping
lift to run down the
mast so I can adjust it from there. I could adjust it with a prusik
knot without this, but not when the sail is up.
Since I am not the first to try this, there must be advantages. The ones I thought of:
Tightening the topping
lift under sail to depower the sail to move slower. This could have advantages maneuvering in tight areas.
Tightening under very light winds to catch the air better.
Any other possible uses?