John Cairns wrote:

Has anyone out there flown their asymmetrical without a pole, downwind, and
if so, how well does it work without the pole?

Yes, and OK depending on the wind angle. The sail will be more limited in
apparent wind angle.

An asymmetric designed to fly from a conventional pole will only work so-so if
tacked to the forestay, but it's better than nothing... or a heavier flatter
genoa.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King