I think it has been like this since the Aussie halyard became standard. This allows for the Jib Halyard to be tied off in the front, where centering the downward tension of the halyard is preferred, as opposed to the port or starboard side. This allows for more consistent mast rotation from side-to-side. Especially with how much tension is cranked on with the Aussie halyard.
Some will make the modification allowed for in Rule 4 of the IHCA Hobie 16 Class Rules, where you can add a second cheek block to the port side of the mast, and also add a cam cleat and second horned cleat for tieing off. This allows for easier "adjusting" while out on the water.
I was surprised however, at the US Multihull Championship recently, that not that many of the boats made the Rule 4 modification.
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