That's personal taste. There have been many improvements in sailboats since;sail handling especially, better mechanical systems, lower maintenance materials, and so on. But the overall package? The 40'er that can take a family up and down the coast(the general use today as 50 years ago) comfortably and that sails well?

This boat is hard to beat for some of us.

And this 'new' boat for the young family that just bought her, is a perfect match. The new owner is an experienced boat builder(owns Artisan Boatworks in Rockport). This is a stunning boat for sure, but he also bought NORA because she is structurally sound(he knows what he's doing)

He and his young family immediately began coastal sailling with the boat this season. It will be great fun to see what he does with the boat over the years. It's all painted right now for lower maintenance. But that's not permanent. You can re-invent wood anyway-anytime.

First thing will be some spar work including stripping the mizzen back to bright(he figures he'll find the reason the spar was painted and make repairs). But that's about all he has planned, for now.

A big, open cockpit could be the most important place for a family that sails. NORA has a tiller and more ideas for a new mainsheet location for me.

Basically NORA is no project for him and a great value for the dollar. She'll sail every season and they plan to spend many days and nights on her in our backyard. NORA will be a main force in the life of their two yound daughters. She already is as I watch them help fold NORA's sails on the docks.