16ft Skiff Fire Stopping draws first blood

by James Bury on 10 Oct 2011 Timing your run is everything in sport - just ask those aboard Manly 16ft skiff Fire Stopping.

The Ben Bianco-skippered Fire Stopping figured in five top three placings over the first five weeks of the season without cracking it for a win.

But on Saturday when it really counted, Bianco and his crew of James Bury and Rob Napper put it all together to triumph in the opening race of the 2011/12 club championship.

Fire Stopping led from start to finish in an uncooperative four to eight knot sou' easter, easing away to a commanding three-minute victory over Altis Consulting (Phillip Cooke) and the in-form Fluid Building Services (Clint Bowen).

Fluid had won five races straight going into the club championship opener but finished more than 10 minutes behind Fire Stopping on a day in which seven boats withdrew in frustration at the benign conditions.

It was suggested Fire Stopping may have been keeping something in reserve over the first few weeks of the season before showing its hand in the most importable race of the season to date.
Not so according to sheethand Bury.

'We definitely weren't foxing. We've just being trying to get used to the new carbon rigs and getting Benny comfortable in the boat,' he said moments after crossing the line.

'We had a few shining moments the last couple of weeks without being able to go on with it so it's a nice to open up with a bullet (first place) when it counts.

'It was light but we got lucky up the first work and managed to hold onto it from there.

'To be able to go on with it in this breeze with my weight is always good.'

The win showcased just how good Bianco is in a variety of conditions.

'What you thought was wind was actually rain. You couldn't see the breeze on the water so it's a lot by feel,' Bury explained.

'It purely came down to Benny picking it right most of the time.'

But Bury acknowledges Fluid - an eight-time club championship winner - will challenge all the way before the title is settled

'It's nice to end his (Bowen's) run at five (straight wins) but we know he's not going to lie down and take it,' Bury said.

'He will come back bigger and better and stronger. There's helluva long way to go but it's a nice start for us.'
Altis Consulting took Saturday's handicap honours from Wrong Way Go Back (Jemima Hardman) and Fire Stopping.