Turns out that to be boat-raced (or boatraced) is to get behind in a contest and never catch up. The definition in Urban Dictionary also adds that the being boat-raced means not just getting behind early, but being beaten badly.
I heard the term ‘boat-raced’ in connection with sports the other day, made a note to look it up later. I watch a lot of sports, but don’t recall hearing the term before yesterday. I’ve heard (and read) the term multiple simtes since, then, of course.
I finally researched it a bit this evening and was happy to find https://www.mikepope.com/blog/DisplayBlog.aspx?permalink=2581 on the meaning of the term on Mike Pope’s blog. Mike is a technical writer and editor, so I trust his information.
Now I can’t wait to use ‘boat-raced’ in conversation (and writing). I doubt I’ll be able to work it into a legal brief or patent application, but I’ll certainly be on the look out for the opportunity!