you would get a space below the cabin and bridge deck - likely a nice compact stateroom, but aft of that is very low space. The cockpit sole isn't too far above water level.

Shooting this Hinckley 42, I noticed the difference in freeboard of these boats, and the H42 is likely considered low freeboard today.

The bulwarks are amazing pieces on SOLUTION. Like many of these racers from this era, I like the wheel forward-just aft of the bridge deck, and well protected by the cabin/dodger. Still the helmsmen has easy access to a nice mainsheet arrangement, and the sheet winches. This is very nice single hander!

The Hinckley helmsmen on the other hand is more exposed and way beyond reach of any clutches on the cabin top. Could be the mainsheet is electric?