The Helms person can sit directly behind the wheel on a rised, curved
Helm seat. When heeled that person can slide to the high side seat or
stay on the low side with the Jib Sheet winch within very easy reach,
Thom, you can do the same thing on a 35s5. There's tons of room to sit
behind the wheel.
http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/wednesdayweb.jpg
We do this all the time. We thought we'd add a helmseat, but have not
found it a problem as is. The wheel is in perfect position when
steering from starboard or port and if you're sitting or standing on
the helm seat directly behind it. What it's NOT good for is standing
directly behind it with my size 13 shoes! Everyone else doesn't have a
problem.
Once again, it really pays to be just a bit shorter...and have smaller
feet. If I was 5'8 I would have kept the C&C 32 forever I think.
RB
35s5
NY