Congratulations. I'd love to get together sometime for some F16 blasting around and would be happy to show you what I've discovered--after taking some lumps--about solo jibing and solo spinnaker sailing.
I wouldn't shorten your tiller extension yet--I'll measure mine, but you might find the length handy as you figure out the boat. Check out the length of Paul's in the photo (he's USA 300; I'm USA 297).
Eric Poulsen A-class USA 203 Ultimate 20 Central California