Ahoy JSCA Members:

Here is what’s “in the wind”, coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, your ocean access community centre, for the week of January 20-26, 2007 and beyond:

2007 El Jericho Niño
El Niño, according to the experts at the American National Ocean Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is defined as “A disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather and climate around the globe.” According to the GM of your local neighbourhood ocean access community centre, El Niño is defined as “Volatile weather resulting in more wind and waves on your favourite playground.” And I should know, I’ve seen more than half a dozen El Niño’s on my watch here at sea level. The experts are predicting that the effects of this year’s edition will last through to the end of May. I don’t mean to disrespect the opinion of weather experts, but as they often struggle with accurately predicting tomorrows weather, I’ll go out on a limb and predict that June, which is typically a very wet month in Vancouver, will be much dryer than usual as a result of El Niño. I’m not suggesting I’m smarter than the experts, it’s just a quirk I’ve noticed associated with past El Niños -there will be no refunds if I’m wrong. Between now and the end of June be ready for more fickle weather conditions trending toward the more tempestuous variety-be prepared to hook in and hang on.

Boat Check Time
Speaking of weather wreaked havoc, many boats in the Jericho Sailing Centre compound have been blown askew or otherwise affected by weather conditions in the last month. Blame it on El Nino, blame it on global warming, just don’t blame it on us and make a point of checking your boat regularly throughout the year, especially after extreme storms.

A Hot Drink and a Warm Fireplace
After checking to make sure your boat hasn’t suffered the same fate as a Stanley Park forest, paddle up to the Sailor’s Lounge and enjoy a java, hot chocolate or a cup of tea while you warm your flippers by the fire. The Galley Patio and Grill is open weekends throughout the winter.

2007 Member Invoices Mailed
Your invoice for 2007 Jericho Sailing Centre Association fees should have appeared in your snail mail box by now. If you haven’t received your invoice yet, please notify the office immediately so we can correct any problem associated with your membership-reply to this email will do. There is a discount available if you pay prior to February 15, 2007. All returning member 2007 fees must be paid by April 1, 2007. Members who pay after April 1 will be charged a hefty penalty devised by our Board of Directors to induce all members to pay on time. This is YOUR Association, please pay your fees on time and don’t make us penalize you.
For members who will not be returning, you are paid up until March 31, 2007. Please notify us if you are not renewing so that we may re-assign your storage space.

Yoga at Jericho
Wednesday evenings, commencing January 31 through March, yoga master, Eoin Finn, brings his unique brand of “surfer” yoga to the Jericho Sailing Centre. For more info and to register flex yourself over to www.vancouveryoga.com .

JSCA is Camera Shy
Our website engineers have been busy and our system is ready to accommodate seven cameras looking out to sea in the 2007 season. We’re asking members who are endowed with the latest video camera technology to free up some closet space by donating your old video camera to the JSCA. Don’t worry if it’s broken and eats tapes we just need the camera. Thank you to the members who have donated cameras so far, we are still in need of a couple more.

Centreboard Editor
We are looking for an Editor and/or a layout artist for the Spring 2007 edition of the JSCA Centreboard newsletter. Please reply via email if you are interested.

Centreboard Contributors
We are looking for members to contribute pictures and articles for the Spring 2007 edition of the Centreboard. Submission deadline is February 15, 2007.

Vancouver Boat Show
The Vancouver International Boat Show will take place in the newly re-patched, re-inflated BC Place Stadium (thanks to Andy Hunt for donating all his old Laser sails!) February 7-11. The JSCA has an informational booth to inform the public of all of the programs, services and facilities available at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Members who volunteer a two hour shift in our booth gain free admittance to the show. We still have shifts available on Wednesday the 7th (1100-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H); Thursday the 8th (1100-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1500-1700H; 1900-2100H); Friday the 9th (1100-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1500-1700H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H); Saturday the 10th (1000-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H) and Sunday the 11th (1000-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1700-1900H). Volunteering at the Jericho booth is a great way to meet people, learn more about the Jericho Sailing Centre and spread the good word. Reply by email or contact the JSCA office if you are interested.

Fair winds,
Mike

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