It's easy to see why Neal has a need to disparage the great Ellen.
She's a famous sailor who's broken records. She's taken her boats to
the limit, while Numbnuts Neal floated flacid at his rusting mooring.
Ellen sought adventure and challenge, while Numbnuts Neal sought
cheaper sails and purple cushions.
So where does this leave poor Neal? Complaining that she violated a
"rule" is his sad response to a woman who accomplished more than he
ever will. Sort of like saying the moon walk doesn't count because the
Apollo violated flight regs!
Neal claims to be a great sailor, and therein lies the great joke of
alt.sailing.asa. So what does a fragile "man" like Neal do when he
hears of a woman who truly is a sailor? He calls her names, implies she
is a lesbian and claims her foot was over the line on the serve. A real
man wouldn't do this to anyone. It's childish and lubberly at best.
Not only is Neal pathetic, he's also a retardation of everything
sailing is about. So is can we clearly see Neal for the fool he is
after he calls Ellen a Dyke? Dam right.

Congrats to Ellen, a REAL sailor!

RB