If I understand your proposed setup David, you will certainly lose twist control by moving the mainsheet so far forward. And with this approach aren't you still faced with the sheet location on the shelf, where you don't like it? I'm not seeing an advantage for you with the exception that you will be allowed to move the assembly aside a bit to enter and exit the interior (how much time does one spend in there, anyway?). I know the stock location can be inconvenient, but I believe from a purely mechanical perspective for sailing purposes, the mainsheet is optimally located. /)) Tom Smith & Jane VanWinkle M15/345--Chukar M17/496--Unnamed