In the Wind March 28, 2008

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, for March 28-April 4, 2008 and beyond:

JSCA Fees Due April 1 - $30 Late Fee applies starting April 2
Every Jericho Sailing Centre Association member is aware that they get more bang for their recreational dollar at the Jericho Sailing Centre than most other places. A one year JSCA membership is less than a round of golf or a one day ski pass. Add thirty dollars and you could still say we're a pretty good deal; but why do that? Pay your fees by the April 1 due date and maximize your liquidity. We'll have extra staff on hand this weekend between 0900-1700H and can take your payment in person or by credit card over the phone. The office will remain open until 1800H on Tuesday, April 1.
Fees Paid By Phone
Members who have paid their JSCA Membership by phone are reminded that we cannot activate your 2008 membership card until you have come into the office and signed the membership liability waiver.

Jericho Air Station History Bite - The Fighting Wallaces
The Vancouver Park Board is expected to pass a motion at their March 31 meeting to rename the playing fields in Jericho Beach Park to Wallace Field, a name originally bestowed upon the Jericho Air Station's big playing field at a ceremony in September 1944, in dedication to the 4 sons of Clarence Wallace, all members of the Royal Canadian Air Force. At the ceremony a plaque was unveiled recognizing Clarence Wallace's contribution to the RCAF and inscribed with the names of his sons, known to their mates as "the fighting Wallaces": Blake, who was missing, presumed dead; Richard who was a prisoner of war; Philip, who at the time was missing in action but later found alive; and, David, a flight instructor. The ceremony was attended by the highest ranking officers of RCAF Western Air Command along with over 400 RCAF personnel, family and friends. The plaque went missing after the Department of National Defence turned the land over to the City in 1969 and was recently discovered in a Park Board Storage facility.
When asked for comment, JSCA Planning Chair, Dan Wallace said he likes the new/old name.
April is Tire Exchange Month
In April, members who currently store their craft on tires may trade these tires to the JSCA for foam blocks at no cost to them. The tires will be collected by the JSCA under the BC Tire Stewardship Program and sent for recycling. Members are asked to help us rid the compound of tires, a breeding ground for mosquitoes which could potentially spread the West Nile Virus, as soon as possible. While we prefer not to tamper with boats stored on tires, any tires remaining under boats after the end of April may be removed by volunteer workparties.

Yoga at Jericho on Wednesdays
Recalibrate your flexibility in time for the spring sailing, paddling and windsurfing season. Beginners welcome 5:15-6:45pm $5 Drop-in. Vinyasa Flow Yoga.

2008 JSCA Racing Schedule Gets Underway in April
Penguin Cup                                                     April 13 @ 1230H
Flights of Spring Regatta                                 April 19 & 20

CYA Race Management Program at Jericho
Level 1 -- Tuesday, April 1 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm
Register by calling 604 224-4177 by Friday, March 28.
Level 2 -- Thursday, April 3 -- Tuesday April 8 -- Thursday, April 10_7:00 pm till 10:00 pm
Suitable for those who want to serve as a Race Officer leading a club race committee.
Register by calling 604 224-4177 by Wednesday, April 2
These courses are provided by the race management committee of BC Sailing. For further information, please call John Culter at 604 742-8832.
CYA Judging Seminar
The False Creek Creek Yacht Club is hosting a CYA Judging Certification Seminar on April 14 & 15. The program includes a Rules and Tactics Seminar on the 14th and a Protest Hearing Process on the 15th- all good information that would benefit any racer. The cost for each evening is $25. If there is enough interest from JSCA members we could host the same program here in May - please contact us right away by return email if you are interested.

Outrigger Canoe Paddling Development Program
The Jericho Outrigger Canoe Club has been a fixture at the Jericho Sailing Centre since 1993. These magnificent hulls glide through the chop of English Bay as smoothly as silk propelled by teams of 6 paddlers. If you've ever wondered what it's like on board here is your chance to find out: sign up for the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association's Outrigger Paddling Development Program for an introduction to the fundamentals of outrigger paddling and steering. The program goes every Saturday April 12 to May 17, and, if you choose, a seat in the Jericho Iron Classic race on May 24. Times are 1000H-1200H. Registration is $50 and includes your 2008 CORA membership. For more info or to register contact jerichoinfo@googlegroups.com (I can tell you from a sailor's point of view, paddling in a 6 person outrigger canoe is a great rush!)

JSCA Volunteer Workparties
Thank you to all the members who have participated with our volunteer programs to date, you folks put the wind in the sails of the Jericho Sailing Centre.
March 29               Albatross Painting 0900H-Swab the decks and shiver me timbers, it's time for the Albatross to get her shiny new annual coat.

April 5               Painting 0900H

April 12 & 13           Boat Wash Weekend

JSCA Office Hours
March/April Hours 0930H-1630H Weekdays. 0900H-1700H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1945H).

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 2008 events calendar. Qualified candidates can sign up for the Jericho Rescue Team Training Course which will be conducted on April 26 & 27. 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 Certification, 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.

On the Water, Your Safety is Your Responsibility
Please remember that launching in Vancouver spring conditions requires an extra emphasis on boat safety for yourself and your crew. Jericho Rescue and other boaters are notably scarce at this time of the year so you must take extra care to ensure a safe on water session. It starts with a check of the weather forecast and tidal activity. Let a friend or family member know you are going, where you are going and when you expect to be back on shore (follow-up with an après sailing phone call). Do a meticulous pre-launch check of your craft and equipment. Recognize when conditions are beyond your ability and choose not to launch. Make sure you are properly dressed-wetsuit/drysuit/hat/booties/gloves-including your PFD. Double check your safety equipment-paddles, bailer, whistle, flares. Know when the sun is setting and understand that the wind often shuts off abruptly in the hour before sunset. Don't go farther from shore than you care to paddle back if you or your equipment should fail or the wind shuts off.
One final tip: enclose your fully charged cell phone in two sealed sandwich bags and keep on your person. In the event of a sea disaster you can't solve yourself, dialing *311 will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Centre.
Fair winds,
Mike

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