In the Wind April 18, 2008

Ahoy JSCA Members:
Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre, for April 18-24, 2008 and beyond:

Flights of Spring Winter Regatta- April 19 & 20

For years a handful of hardcore Jericho dinghy racers have been clambering for a winter regatta to be conducted from the Jericho Sailing Centre. This weekend their wish comes true as the Jericho Laser Fleet, along with their sponsor, La Nina, host the first ever Flights of Spring conducted in winter temperatures. The action should be hot though as the wind will be brisk and the traditional monohull regatta welcomes a herd of cats: Nacra F 18's and Hobie Tigers. For more information check out the Flights of Spring Notice of Race on our website www.jsca.bc.ca

As every Jericho member is aware 80% of our inaccurately named planet is covered with water but every year we humour the 'lubbers and share their spirit as they celebrate the so called "Earth" and appreciate the environment we all share. Come to Jericho Beach Park on Saturday, April 26 from 1100H-1700H. There will be a nature tour of the park, volunteer gardening, crafts and an eclectic high energy line-up of music. For complete details hike over to www.earthdayvancouver.ca

Last week we reported on the JSCA Board's conceptual discussion regarding the name of our facility. The challenge with the current name is that people often assume we are a "yacht club" or simply a "sailing club" when in fact we are an ocean access community centre and facilitate a range of small, naturally powered craft. So far opinions are running 60% No Change versus 40% change but the number of respondents has been small so we'll give it another week. What do you think? Should the Jericho Sailing Centre consider a name change and if so what would you call it?

" an important tradition linking us to history as < mariners> generally, and as members of Jericho Sailing Centre in particular."

The SOS is important to you to ensure that all of your ocean excursions this season are blessed with favourable weather. There was a skimpy turnout in 2007 and it rained on most weekends in the summer-let's not make the same mistake again. The SOS is also an important part of the Jericho Boat Show OPEN HOUSE as it gives our visiting landlubbers an opportunity to see the Jericho Sailing Centre in action.

Jericho Members-sail, paddle, windsurf, row, whatever you like to do here, come out and do it on Saturday, May 10 between 1300H and 1500H .

The annual Jericho Boat Show Open House on Saturday, May 10 is from Noon-1600H. Bring your landlubber friends, co-workers, neighbours and relatives down to the Centre on that day to check out all of the ocean access opportunities available to them. Our schools, clubs and fleets will be on hand with sign-up information and displays. Check out our Season Opening Sailpast which this year will include a Stand Paddling Race and a salute to sailing canoes.

Members who wish to purchase a $60 season parking pass for Jericho Beach Park can pick up the forms in the JSCA office or by emailing your form request to monthlyparkingvancouver@parking.com . Pay parking is in effect from May 1- September 30, 2008.

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 work parties.

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 Office Hours

April Hours 0930H-1630H Weekdays. 0900H-1700H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 2010H). ***The JSCA Office will be closed on Thursday, May 1 from 1100H-1300H so we may conduct our annual staff training in order to better serve the JSCA community. JSCA office hours will expand in May once our new staff receive adequate training.

Programs Committee              April 28 @ 1900H
Operations  Committee          April 29 @ 1900H
Planning Committee              May 5 @ 1900H
Board                                       May 12 @ 1900H

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, dialling *311 will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Centre.
Fair winds,
Mike