can't find an answer via search moving winches.

[SailingUphill]

I've now sailed my boat enough (solo) that I think the factory location of the winches is absolutely the worst for single handing (just too far a reach over the traveler)...

A) if I moved the existing winches, would I break One Design?
B) Anyone move the winches , or add a set of winches for single handing?

Also I find the turning blocks nice in that I don't lose my sheets forward, however, I think they add too much friction to the whole shebang (I use them because the genoa cars to so far forward that its better to keep the sheets handy). I find it really difficult to tack this boat smoothly single handed... and I always wind up throwing the tiller pilot on once winds get up around 10 knots, to get the 155 sheeted in upwind (2 hands to winch the genoa in)... I used to cross sheet on my prior boat, but I can't seem to get enough umph on this boat, to get sheeted in (see friction as a possible reason)...

I switched up from 5/16 sheets on the genoa, to 3/8" to get a better feel, and make it easier to sheet, and it's helped some.

Between all this, and the fact that the tiller is so long (making it necessary to flip the tiller up to tack)... I'd add that my intent is to shorten the tiller, about 6-12 inches, because it's just miserable too.

Otherwise the boat sails really well, and has nice bite right up to 35 degrees of heel (yeah I know sail flatter, but sometimes you have no choice, when the lake feeds you gusts of +10 knots).

[AJ Oliver]

When I single hand I sit forward of the traveler - boat seems to balance better. (Of course I am 215 lbs. of fightin' fury, which makes a difference too)
I have a simple bungie cord set-up to self steer - in some conditions it words quite well. 10 kts or less, not too much chop, on a beat.
Many 7.9's have removed the turning blocks. I did too.
I think I'm decent at tacking the #3 jib while single handing, but am not
satisfied with how I handle the genoa.

[SailingUphill]

I have a friend that's used a long bungee arrangement as you describe, while he solos his S2 7.9... works great in light air, but when you experience a bunch of gusts (like our cruddy little lake), until you retrim and get back to a light tiller, it's a mass of flailing arms.

I agree sitting forward of the traveler would be much better (I'm 230lbs, so I hear you)... but I'm also at a disadvantage where my tiller extension is toast... (ordered new, but for some reason its taking more than 1 day to get to me )

But your idea strikes a cord too... might be wiser to move the traveler forward! Stupid part is it wouldn't need to go far, 8-10" maybe? Get ME further forward out of the way of the tiller, and also get closer to the winches. But of course I know now that the seats aren't reinforced there.

[Stef]

When I single hand I always sit in front of the traveler. Very easy and everything seems to be in the right place, including my beer!

[SailingUphill]

I've never been able to get used to dealing with the mainsheet in the way (sitting forward)... or am I overthinking this?

[AJ Oliver]

For me, in both solo & racing, I keep the main sheet to the rear of the traveler and the traveler control line in front - (it's on a continuous loop)
I'd think twice about moving the traveler - you'll have structural issues to deal with - on the other hand, we know how handy you are.
Yes, for sure, a tiller extension would help a lot. I use a non-telescoping Ronstan battle stick, which adapts well to my self-steering set-up.
I would send you a photo except that I am in Calif. working on the Vets for Peace Golden Rule Project (almost ready to set sail!),
and my 7.9 is in the Great Lakes (Erie).
I miss my 7.9 !!