In the city of Perth, Western
Australia, the Swan river has many yacht clubs.
However, the popular sailing destinations are off shore (Rottnest, Garden Islands etc.). To get from the Swan River yacht clubs to these destinations requires
passage under three bridges at Fremantle and mast lowering is essential.
If you contact any of the riggers in Perth with details of your vessel I am sure they will show you how this is done (optimized) for your vessel. Yes, you will need to add some bits, and the mast will need to be lifted to install the tabernacle with a pin axis. A common arrangement is to use two equal length
spinnaker poles that create a triangulation on the fore-deck. The poles are fixed to deck pivots near the sheer and the apex is where the fore-stays are connected. A pulley reduction system is then used to allow the formed apex to move upwards thus allowing the mast to start "falling" backwards. But best to talk to the experts.
Potential advantages would include - minimal cost (one off), no cranes etc. - no stored mast on your deck hindering your use of deck space - independence from others.
I would suggest you do some
research work to find the lowest clearance required for your trip as the Perth process does not necessarily lower the rigging to a horizontal orientation. It also may leave two poles pointing skywards. Highfield levers are commonly used to simplify the disconnection of fore stays and forward lowers. These lever release systems generally mean you do not have to reset tensions. I recently watched a 14 m
catamaran lower its rigging (with roller furling) while at a Perth yacht club. It took less than 10 minutes and was done single handed. Check it out.
My own yacht (a ketch) has the required
gear and although I am not in Perth now, I found it a fairly simple procedure. (the first time was a bit heart stopping). I agree that Dynex rigging would make damage due to steel rigging less likely, but it isn't necessary. Use Dynex for other reasons like rigging weight reduction and longevity.
Carbon fiber masts are insanely expensive and OK for
racing yachts and very deep pockets. Nearby to my boat a
catamaran with a carbon fiber mast took a
lightning hit. The mast itself suffered a lot of damage where rigging and
electrical components made contact with the mast. I believe the mast was a write off or at least, required extensive
repairs. Alloy masts generally survive
lightning strikes.
Finally, why not leave your yacht in a marina and hire a proper canal boat for the trip. Probably cheaper and will give you a vessel specifically designed for the European canals. The hire company will provide you with lots of handy information/options to maximize your enjoyment.