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Thanks for the confirmation that cleats on the side decks will work,  I'll rig them up over the winter.

As for the lowers, what I have in mind is some Dynema rope tied to the mast just above the gooseneck, down through a block fixed to the shroud chainplates and then back to the mast just below deck level via  two cascades.  This is then led down the mast and tied off to a single block, along with it's partner coming from the opposite side.  A control line passes through the block, down to a couple of turning blocks at the mast foot and then up to cleats on the side deck near the shroud chainplates.  All adds up to 8:1 purchase.  

One of my winter projects will be to sort out the control lines in my Design 8.  I am sure there are 101 ways of organising things, but I would be grateful for advice of what works well.
 
In particular, I need to sort out the shrouds.  The control lines currently go up to jam cleats on top of the CB case (usually being sat on by a crew with a bruised bum when it needs to be adjusted) and then back down to the centreline of the hull, held on shock cord back to the transom (always getting caught up under my feet).  Is there is a better way?  It would be nice to be able to let-off / re-tighten the leeward shroud from the windward side of the boat, but is this trying to be too clever?

Also the lowers.  Is it normal to pull on both sides at the same time and with the same tension...in which case a single control line could adjust both sides simultaneously?...or should I  be tensioning the windward one more..in which case they need to be controlled separately?  Also is an 8:1 purchase about right?

I am getting a bit fed up with telling my crew to tighten the jib sheet back up.... keeps going slack when the crew gets tired or distracted.  I have a pair of open cam cleats on top of the CB case, but they are difficult to get the sheet into when hiked since the board case is too low.  Has anyone tried open cam cleats up on the side decks adjacent to the shrouds, or would these be equally awkward to use?

I am new to 12's this year so any advice, however basic would be appreciated.

Just spoke to P&B.  They have some original Ovington gelcoat available which should match, otherwise they can do a colourmatch kit comprising of clear resin and several different shades of white pigment to mix and match.  Since my side decks need a lot of separate repairs the advice is to repair the gel coat cracks then overcoat the whole deck with a 2-part PU paint (Mediteranian White) applied with a sponge roller, removing air bubbles by lightly brushing with a fine bristled paint brush.
I'll let you know how I get on....

I am planning to repair the many gelcoat cracks to my side decks at the end of this season.  My boat is a 1988 Storrar & Bax Design 8 No. 3291, which I think is laid up in epoxy.  Can anyone help me with advice on suitable materials, correct pigment colour or any other tips?