Patrick, I don't see it. I sail against the best and newest frequently. The margin shrinks as my ineptitude shrinks. I actually beat people occassionally.

Honestly, I believe we will only see small, gradual gains in boat perfromance and that will come primarily through weight reduction.

It's really gonna hit the fan when the factories and rock stars realize that in some light air, flat water conditions a sloop doesn't stand a chance against a uni rig. Following that reasoning, when a world class sailor/athlete about 6' 3" and 215 lbs shows up, he will own the class!