Congratulations to Ellen for setting a new World Record. This person
bettered the previous record by a margin of about 2%, a true accomplishment
by almost any measure.

To the thinking person, this accomplishment raises several issues. First is
the issue of sportmanship. Athletes are routinely penalized for
unsportmanslike conduct and can suffer lifetime disbarment for other
actions. Take Pete Rose for example, just for betting. Ellen has put herself
and others at risk, potentially violated international law and treaties -
where are the sanctions?

Secondly is the potential issue of fraud. If a woman took first place in
men's weightlifting in the Olympics, or outran the men in the 100 meter dash
you can bet she'd have a cotton swab jammed in her mouth a for chromosome
testing. If Ellen's feat is so grand and so remarkable even for a man, let
alone a woman, any credible sports sanctioning institute would be testing
away.

Thirdly is the regard of sailing as a sport. The heavy reliance on
equipment, sponsorship (she was sailing a billboard if you failed to notice)
and possibly use of stimulants overweighs physical performance. This simply
says sailing is not a true sport. As the good Captain has maintained sailing
for most of you is an escape. Ellens escapade falls into the realm of
entertainment and is a commercial enterprise. Proper sailing is a lifestyle,
not an event. The few here who execute it with any grace are Captain Neal,
Simple Simon and to a lesser degree, Joe.

To prove this to yourselves, beyond a trace of doubt, ask yourself this
question:

"Would the oceans of the world be a better place to sail if it had 1000
Captains Neals on it or 1000 Ellens on it?"

In your heart you know he's right!

Gilligan