I have been cruising j.doe in the caribbean... up and down to Grenada several times. The average wind down island is 35kts and I've never been worried. The "newer" cockpit with the fiberglass rails seem to offer more advantage when you are racing as they keep your butt from sliding...and channel water out if you are perched on top...my flat deck even the driver gets a wet butt with a wave. I prefer the flat, especially for cruising as the cockpit is definitely more open. Those side rails are not enough support anyway...get the chairs. I agree the dram in the cockpit is lack of bimini..doesn't seem to fit no matter what you do. I have a small trapezoid sunshade with aluminum poles which attaches to the heart of the backstay, the boomlift and the lifelines... can be flipped back as you tack... not the easiest, but in the islands you can be on the same reach for long periods of time. I have dreams of an auto pilot but have yet to hear that they can hold the boat in heavy air...which is most of the time here. In lighter winds I use bungie wrapped 4-5 times on the tiller and attach to padeyes (they are there already) on both sides which holds the boat fairly steady during reefing, sail changes, getting a beer, etc
