The 1980ies did not have foil sailing which is just incredibly inspiring. And that in turn is most likely enabled by carbon fiber manufacturing having become somewhat mainstream (and much better), even if it may not be entirely impossible to do in steel.

Also, for industrial applications (and for recreational without self-imposed restrictions), high frequency automated active servo control is now very much in the realm of practicality. Back then it was all self-stabilizing, which led to some very bumpy rides.