Greetings,
Most of the wheelman are realy steering behind the wheel,but in this case you have to stay beside the wheel.This is like you see,because of the funnel,but it's not very weird.
Even i ,when i was sailing(sailvessel),i stayed on the side of my wheel.
It's comfortable,i think,and i did not look on the mast(better view)also for docking it's a good place.
REgards
Marc