2023 Mixed Doubles Smackdown Redux

This post takes a look at the ILS (I Love Sushi head race series in Seattle) Mixed 2x Smackdown 2023 edition and considers the question of how well the US Rowing handicap adjusts for age in this 5.2K race. 

Course description

The start was off the Pocock dock with crews heading east under the University Bridge into Portage Bay. The course continues tight along the houseboats until the "Diabolical Turn", close to the Seattle Yacht Club. A miscue on this turn can cost lengths or worse. 

The course continues east through the Montlake Cut to Fox Point. The Big Turn (180˚+) begins at the navigation buoy off port at Fox Point and continues until crews are pointed back at the Cut. Another opportunity to lose lengths and to hit things. The line to the finish follows the shoreline with a slight turn to starboard and ends at Fritz Hedges Park, approximately 5.2 km from the start. 

The competition

26 crews ranging in age from 27 to 64 completed the race. 25 were mixed doubles and one was a mixed pair. The crews were started youngest to oldest, with youngest first. The start order was intended to minimize contention and interference at the main choke points, the Diabolical and Big Turns. All turns were to be rowed through, oars buried and powered. Safety launches were positioned at the Diabolical and Big Turns and at the finish. 

The US Rowing handicap was applied to all raw times based on boat class: double or pair. 

Charts of raw and adjusted times






Interactive Chart

25 years30354045505560651200125013001350140014501500155016001650secs
Age versus Raw timeRaw time

And here's some text after the graph.


Webscorer Race Results


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