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Ross has nailed the big ones resulting from the advent of synthetic materials, and Bill pretty much covers the hull/keel/rudder advance, but a couple of nice conveneinces are:Reliable roller furling (has taken a few decades, but seems to be working fairly well now).In navigation: RDF, Loran, and finally, the Global Positioning System.Oh: the Marconi (Bermuda) rig has eclipsed the gaff rig in most of the western world. Less fuss, easier sail handling = sport open to more aspiring sailors.Still working on that table, Franklin? Ever get the cupholder problem solved?