The cockpit layout on catamarans always made me feel it was a bit like driving a truck. Here you are sitting up on a perch with a steering wheel behind a bulkhead and off to one side. On your tri you've got a center helm but not on a cat. I think that with the Chris White design you've got a real helm. Center of the boat and behind the mast. You also have a door right behind you that leads to the shelter of the dog house, the off duty crew and another steering station.

Chris White designed his cats to distance cruise. When doing multi day passages I could see that the forward cockpit with bench seats, a helm seat, winches (all within reach) and a real helm in the center of the boat would make driving a catamaran a better and more natural experience than either putting the helm on a perch or putting 2 helms at the rear of each hull where you're exposed to the elements and seas far away from anyone who could hear a cry for help at 3am.

Yes it's a bit strange but given the options it's a hell of a lot better than driving a truck or putting you half way to the moon, exposed and all by yourself.

At least that's my take on it. You've got a nice helm. Imagine being on the back of one of your ama's holding on to a wheel in 7' seas. Exciting perhaps but not a place to be or to put your wife when she relieves you on watch.