One day on a cruise this summer, while sailing along in boisterous conditions, I found myself pondering the question of how bluewater/offshore sailboats have changed since mine was built. I have a 1978 Rival 32 -- which, I gather, is regarded as a bluewater boat. The previous owners owned it for 25 years and during that time sailed it across the Atlantic three times and cruised the Caribbean extensively.

To my eye, modern boats, as a general class, look different: less overhang and wider beam; more fin keels and spade rudders; taller masts and more sail area. Construction techniques and materials have improved. Hull designs have evolved, especially with the help of computer modeling. Interior accommodations are more spacious and there seem to be more variations in layout.

Of course, most of the sailboats I see would be classified as coastal cruisers. And I'm basically stuck in the 1970s and 1980s as far as my knowledge regarding this subject goes.

So what's your perspective? How are bluewater/offshore sailboats today different/better/worse than those of 30 years ago?