You make a very good and valid point.
If you assume that eventually one HAS to go forward and do some work
when the deck is pitching, etc. those that are self confined to the
cockpit and lose or dont even have the foredeck dexterity will be at
supreme risk WHEN they have to go forward.
Physical dexterity on a pitching foredeck is a learned (and important)
skill. If one only sails in the 'safety' of the (enclosed) cockpit,
when the time comes to 'perform up front' that loss or absence of skill
will put that person and the boat at risk.




In article , Roger Long
wrote:

Hmm, must be something about going out on bowsprits in the middle of
the night that has warped my perspective.

Do you think someone who has grown up sailing only roller furling
boats with all line handling done from the cockpit can be considered a
competent sailor? This has some parallels with the GPS Vs pencil and
chart discussions.