Peter,
With binoculars I watched the WC's in Mexico going to weather in the finals (winds were double trap,traveler centered, a rudder up).
The skipper had one foot on the back of the crossbar, and the other foot was on the hull about midway between the rear pylon and transom.
(crew further back next to skipper)
They started in the middle of the line, and with the weight that far back drove over the fleet, and won the race.
(while the rest of fleet had the skipper on the crossbar only)

SWAG, the weight that far back may alleviate some the weather helm, and increase the steering sweet spot, and the rudder does NOT stall out as easily.
I wonder if that anyone steered from that position in Tahiti?