I just did a quick tour through Sail Magazine's innovation awards, and am impressed by the engineering and new technology being applied in the sailing world. There are numerous areas that have the potential to make sailing easier, safer, smarter. I need to research a bit more, but the USCG approved LED flare replacement looks like a no brainier and is very reasonably priced. The portable water maker looks like an easier option than a full-on system if a boat already has the on-board power and might only need extra water in certain cruising areas. Some of the sail handling and rigging ideas look intriguing, though not something I'm likely to retrofit to my existing boat. Same with Torqeedo's electric/diesel power train.

I'm not likely to do it, but there is now a possible solution to a problem I posted here awhile back: how to make a roller furling staysail on a removable inner forestay.

When I saw this link I was expecting maybe one or two interesting ideas, yet I found many of them quite interesting.

http://www.sailmagazine.com/gear/pittman-innovation-awards/2016-pittman-innovation-awards/2016-pittman-innovation-awards/