I have an "old" cockpit. I find that the best place for me to sit is on the windward side, aft of the primary winch, outboard, with my back near the lifelines, with tiller extension in hand. I can see the tell-tales well, and if everybody on the rail is sitting out, the water up ahead.
If I have a main trimmer, she'll sit in front of me.
To tack, I often stand up and step over the tiller.
