This might be a dumb question but without a motor are you using the sail to go down the canals? If so I'm surprised you get enough fine direction control.
Got a 6hp outboard on the back, not been sailing since the channel, mast is on trestles. Did meet an Italian sailor on the Saone who had an A frame and block and tackle to lower mast quickly, he was sailing between bridges, very cool!
This might be a dumb question but without a motor are you using the sail to go down the canals? If so I'm surprised you get enough fine direction control.