Whisker poles do need a topping lift to support their weight, especially in light air. Gravity will pull them down and aft on the jib sheet if not supported.
We are counting down the days till the Allen Flying 11 Nationals. Mel will be visiting on Monday to say Hi whilst putting up the Banners etc then Mel and Phil will be back on the Saturday.
Whisker poles are used for non-spinnaker class racing and short-handed cruising, or whenever downwind performance is desired without the use of conventional spinnakers. A properly sized and deployed whisker pole will allow the headsail to add considerable power and speed to downwind sailing.