Equalizer 2009 by Steven Smith
The equalizer being an unusual event I went up to the club not knowing how it was going to turn out. Arriving at the club in my usual sleepy/hungover state (being a uni student getting up before 3 was a bit of a novelty) I could just about see that the wind was lightish but a bit up and a bit down [ and sometimes sideways, forward and back as well ].
The first race was to be a normal handicap race with the following races being pursuits worked out from the results of the first race [note normal handicap is one that doesn't involve opponents receiving a lassooing, a topic that hasn't received reference in a while]. The start saw Ian Smith making his normal good start and arriving first to the windward mark. Me however having messed up the start arrived a bit later. Then also messing up the windward mark by having to bail out on port saw me fall further down the fleet. While Ian extended his lead I got lucky down wind and managed to pull a few places back. By the end of the race Ian was well in the lead, I had managed to fight my way into a 2nd place finish but Terry in his Harrier was still in close proximity so easily got second on handicap with me coming 3rd on handicap.
The Second race saw Ian heavily handicapped, starting I think about 3 minutes after me. Being no-one one else on the line meant that I had a bit of an easier start this time! This race was won by Barrie by about a full minute. I think that I came second with Terry or Ian in 3rd.
The Final race was going to be interesting with a number of people that could still win the race. However there was a mix up in communication which led to Barry starting a minute earlier rather than later. However Ian still had his heavy handicap. This race was probably my best as I just managed to overtake Barry on the last reach just before in gun went for the end of the race. Barry was 2nd but then I think he was moved back a minute to make up for the mis-communication at the start. This result meant Ian was moved up to second.
The final result for the equalizer was 1st for Steven Smith, 2nd for Ian Smith and 3rd Barry. Big thanks to Jonathan for running the event and John Newcombe for rescue boat.
Steven also adds: "sorry if there are any inaccuracies - I left writing this up a bit late due to exams".
[I'd also like to point out that Steven added a smiley face after every mention of his father being handicapped (yes that very father paying Steven's way through University, providing him with pin money, a roof over his head, and teaching the lad all about rig tensions on a RS300). Kids nowadays!]
