In the Wind - April 5, 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 April 5-April 11, 2007 and beyond:

Spring’s Big Splash, Saturday @ 1030H
Seasoned JSCA members all know that the first true sign of Spring in Vancouver is the annual “Flight of the Albatross” when our committee boat, “Albatross”, migrates from it’s winter home south of the Jericho shoreline in the hanger to it’s summer perch moored just off of our beach. From there it will support 90 on-water event days between now and November and bear the brunt of many sailing and windsurfing school guppies who haven’t yet mastered steering or just need it for brakes.

The “Albatross” has been a navigational landmark off of the Jericho Sailing Centre since 1977 when she was first designed and commissioned, with maximum member input, to be the best darn committee boat on the bay. She has been the lynchpin of JSCA racing programs for thirty years, has been a classroom for the Jericho Rescue Program and the primary subject of our annual boat refit program. She is a 30 foot balsa core catamaran powered by twin 9.9 Yamaha Four Stroke Engines.

She has heralded thousands of triumphant victors, also rans and chumps in sailing, windsurfing, paddling and rowing races over the past thirty years with her klaxon finishing horns and RC flags proudly flying in the breeze.

The “Albatross” will make her annual landing into Jericho waters at approximately

1030H this Saturday, an event which can be seen around the world via our webcam. Many thanks to all of our volunteers who have assisted in the annual refit of the Albatross including: Chris Stairs, Andy Hunt, Brian Key, Ray Douthwaite, Josee Meynard, Teagan Peacock, Gail Goodfellow and Jim Quinn.

2007 Jericho Racing Programs Commence April 15 @ 1230H
With the Albatross in the water the only thing holding our racing program back is people-people to race and people to run the race. Andy Hunt has volunteered to PRO the first day of racing this season and is looking for volunteers to help out on the Race Committee. Please reply by email if you are willing to help Andy out.

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 contact the JSCA office.

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
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
Jericho Boat Show OPEN HOUSE/Sailpast May 12

March of the Volunteers
Thank you to all of the JSCA volunteers who helped us in the month of March prepare the Jericho Sailing Centre for the annual Spring invasion. All of these members were entered into a draw for a $300 Mustang inflatable PFD donated by Pacific Press and the winner was-Andy Hunt.

Upcoming Volunteer Workparties-Start times @ 1000H
April 7 & 8 Albatross Launch, Rack Building, Unpaid Craft Marking and Relocation
April 14 & 15 1st Annual JSCA Boat Wash, Rack Building

Unpaid Craft
Many thanks to the 79% of JSCA members who paid their 2007 craft and equipment storage fees on time. We are chasing after the 21% of your fellow members who risk losing their spots and will be charged a $30 Late Fee in addition to their bill. If you know someone who is unpaid please encourage them to contact us right away. We will be printing a list of unpaid members in next weeks “in the wind” as well as posting it on our website.

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.

Member Keys
2007 Member keys are available to paid up members for $5 +GST in the JSCA office.

Launch Dollies Not Storage Dollies
The way we see it, every JSCA member is special. We all share “the bond of the sea” and a salty camaraderie which is evident in the buoyant community atmosphere of the Jericho Sailing Centre. However, some members feel they are little MORE special than everyone else and insist on STORING their craft on LAUNCH dollies which are intended for everyone’s use. We spend too much time hunting for dollies in the storage compound and removing them from below offending boats. Add in phone calls and messages to offenders which tend to be ignored and these folks are wasting limited JSCA resources which every member pays for. Please feel free to point this out to dolly abusers, this is your ocean access community centre.

Wind & Water Art Show Sunday April 29
Original oil paintings by sea inspired artist Martin Ruygrok on display 1400H-1700H. Wine & Cheese. www.ruygrokart.com

Jericho Galley Patio & Grill Expands Service
The Jericho Galley Patio & Grill is now open 7 days a week 0900H-Sunset on weekends and 1100H-Sunset on weekdays weather depending. The following is an excerpt from the April 5th Vancouver Sun Article entitled “Cheap eats abound in a pricey city” describing the Jericho Galley Patio & Grill:

“Best season: summer. Dress code: flip flops, tank top, shorts. Best seats: the patio. It juts on to the sands of Jericho Beach, reaching oceanward, like Kate Winslet at the prow of the Titanic. Oops. Maybe not such a good metaphor. Anyway, it's a gorgeous spot in the summer, even if the food fare is very basic. The star of the show is the certified Angus beef burger. The best dish to commune over is the humungous nacho platter.”

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
Safety Committee April 7 @ 1100H
Board April 10 @ 1900H
Operations Committee April 17 @ 1900H
Programs Committee April 18 @ 1900H
Marginal Wharf Planning Meeting April 24 @ 1900H

Proposed Changes to the Windsurfing Area
The JSCA Operations Committee will be considering a proposal by the UBC Sailing Club to increase their windsurfing rig rack storage space. The best solution we’ve heard so far is extending the rig rack row footprint 4’ North. We are interested in hearing from any members who may have alternative ideas. Options will be considered at the April 17 Operations Committee meeting @ 1900H, all members welcome to participate.

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.

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.

Easter Weekend JSCA Office Hours
Good Friday 1000H-1600H
Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday 1000H-1700H

Fair winds,

Mike

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