In the Wind. March 29, 2007

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 March 29-April 4, 2007 and beyond:

JSCA 2007 Membership Fees Due Sunday, April 1
Since its inception the JSCA has strived to give its members the best value for their recreational boating dollar. That hasn’t changed in 2007 for members who pay their fees on time. Members who pay late however will be getting less of a deal starting April 2 when they will be required to pay a $30 late penalty and could have their craft relocated to the worst possible spot in the compound. One could rationalize that even with an extra thirty dollars tacked on there is no better value in a recreational boating facility anywhere and that the worst spot at the Jericho Sailing Centre is better than the best spot at many other facilities—but don’t do that—please help us maximize your boating bucks by paying on time. The JSCA Office will be open from 0900H-1800H this weekend to receive member payments in person or by phone 224-4177 or 224-4566.

For members who are not renewing their craft or locker storage please notify the JSCA Office to allow us to better facilitate members who are on our craft storage relocation or waiting list. Thank you.

JSCA Member Cards
Members who have paid their 2007 fees will have their membership access cards updated automatically for gaining access to our change rooms, showers and rooftop deck. Please bring your membership card into the JSCA office at your convenience to get the 2007 membership card decal which will be required to receive your member discount at the Jericho Galley Patio & Grill.

Jericho Galley Patio & Grill Expands Service
The Jericho Galley Patio & Grill will expand their service to 7 days a week commencing April 2. Days and hours of service are 0900H-Sunset on weekends and 1100H-Sunset on weekdays weather depending.

Marginal Planning Meeting April 24 @ 1900H
The JSCA Planning Committee met on March 27 to consider the JSCA’s position on the future of the “Marginal Wharf” which will be the subject of public meeting(s) this Spring hosted by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. Here is an excerpt of the draft minutes from that meeting:
“The “Marginal Wharf” is a large concrete and wood structure which is approximately 70 years old. It was originally a taxi way for the Department of National Defense’s large Stranraer seaplanes to make their way between the on land hangers and the ramp leading into the sea. The wooden support structure has deteriorated substantially. Every time a drift log gets in there in turbulent seas it acts like a battering ram against the pilings.
The Committee discussed how governments have dealt with other publicly owned derelict waterfront facilities in the past including Steveston Landing, Lonsdale Quay, West Van Pier and the Expo lands. Individuals and groups outside of the JSCA value the strolling and viewing opportunities provided by the Marginal Wharf and those activities should be included in any potential solutions put forward by the JSCA.
The Committee, after much discussion and consideration put forward the following general ideas they would like to see included in the Marginal Wharf project:
1. More ocean access for small, naturally powered craft.
2. A more effective facility to support the Disabled Sailing Association.
3. Maintain and enhance public water viewing.
4. Educational Component-interpretive signage regarding history, environment, wildlife and the Port of Vancouver.
5. Increasing compound to the east with a gate to access the “Marginal” area.
6. More serviceable ocean access, increased utility for naturally powered ocean craft.
7. Improved safety.
The Park Board is drafting terms of reference for the project which should be available in the next few weeks. These terms of reference should assist the JSCA in further developing a planning strategy with respect to the Marginal Wharf and will be considered at the next Planning Committee meeting.”

The next JSCA Planning Committee Meeting is set for Tuesday, April 24 @ 1900H and is open to all JSCA Members, and of course your comments, ideas, opinions and suggestions are always welcome via return email.

Design a Piece of Jericho History
We are looking for members who are interested in voluntarily designing two memorial benches in our picnic areas. If you are interested, please contact me by return email or via phone 224-4177.

Volunteer for the JSCA in March and you could Win a Mustang Inflatable PFD
JSCA members who participate in a JSCA volunteer work party in March will have their name entered in a draw to win a deluxe Mustang Survival Inflatable PFD (Retail value: $300). Each day you volunteer you will be registered and entered into the draw and we’ll draw the winning member’s name on April 1 (no fooling!). Thanks to all the members who have been coming out on weekends to help us prepare for the season.

Upcoming Volunteer Workparties-Start times @ 1000H
March 31, April 1 Boat Moving/Albatross Painting/Spring Clean-up
April 7 & 8 Unpaid Craft Marking and Relocation/Rack Building
April 14 & 15 1st Annual JSCA Boat Wash

English Bay Safety Seminar April 2 @ 1900H
The English Bay Safety Seminars contain essential information that every JSCA member must know and practice to recreate safely on the Bay. Watercraft right-of-way rules, environmental, equipment and personal safety considerations are all included. This program is based on 33 years of experience assisting mariners whose sailing adventures didn’t turn out the way they should have—right out of the Jericho Rescue logs. Don’t venture out onto the water until you are aware of all of the potential hazards. Free to members and non-members alike. RSVP JSCA Office. Future English Bay Safety Seminars will be held on May 28 & June 25.

Join the Jericho Rescue Team
The Jericho Rescue Team is looking for experienced sailors, windsurfers, paddlers and rowers who are interested in developing their seamanship and water safety skills, and are willing to volunteer to assist their fellow boaters. The Jericho Rescue Team provides safety and rescue support for all on-water events facilitated by the JSCA. This year our Rescue Team members will provide rescue coverage for the over 90 on-water event days on our 2007 events calendar. Qualified candidates can sign up for the Jericho Rescue Team Training Course which will be conducted on April 28 & 29. We provide training in water safety and seamanship, Boathandling, boat rescue and first aid. Course graduates must complete ongoing Rescue Team training including the Pleasure Craft Operators Card, VHF Radio Licence, emergency first aid and CPR Certification (all provided). If you are interested please contact me in the Jericho office to discuss your qualification for this program.

CYA Race Management Course
The Prince of Principle Race Officer’s, John Culter, will conduct a Level I and Level II Certified CYA Race Management Clinic at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Level I is a 3 hour program on April 10 at 1900H and requires no previous experience. The $10 cost includes a race booklet. The 9 hour Level II program is spread over 3 evenings; April 12, 17 and 19. The Level II program costs $55. To register or for further information contact Nancy Chow at (604) 737-3126 or via email at crew@bcsailing.bc.ca.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
Galley Open Full Time April 2
English Bay Safety Seminar April 2
CYA Level I Race Management April 10
CYA Level II Race Management April 12, 17 & 19
Penguin Cup Racing April 15
Flights of Spring Regatta April 21 & 22
Earth Day Weekend April 21 & 22
Jericho Rescue Team Training Course April 28 & 29

Fair winds,
Mike

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