Max,

I used the 2nd method you described. It really helps if you use cove and bead strips so the strips will hold together as they hang out there in mid-air. I used a small piece of masking tape for each strip to keep it pulled tight to the cockpit opening and a full length strip every 4 inches or so to keep the short strips from sagging. There's a couple more photos on my website on the Guillemot page if you're interested.

Good luck,

Ross