Hi Martyn, good question as the instructions aren't really clear about this but the clue really comes in looking at the position of the rigging blocks fitted to the lower part of the bowspit, the rigging blocks sit either side of the first bowspit gammoning (the one nearest the steps)... , Mr T's Official Build issue 122 shows the positioning of these blocks very well in relation to the bow. In addition, the instructions do say to fit and glue the foremast in position as the first mast to be fitted so that tells you the bowspit butts up against the foremast and not underneath it..... . If you also notice from my build, the bowspit has not yet been glued into position, it is only sitting there when not working on the ship. Having to turn the ship around frequently to fit all the shrouds had me believing the bowspit was likely to be damaged in the process. I will be fitting the bowspit fully when it comes to rigging it in place..... .. Hope this helps and hope to see some of your lovely work real soon..... .... Should you need any further clarification then please let me know, here to help..

Regards

Alan