In the Wind April 18, 2008

Member Opinion Straw Poll --Name Change for the Jericho Sailing Centre? Majority say "Stay the Course!".

Jericho Watersports Centre; Jericho Community Sailing Centre; Jericho Ocean Community Centre; and Jericho Water Rats Community Centre were among the suggestions from the 37% of members in our straw poll who favoured a name change to better describe the recreational output of the Jericho Sailing Centre. Those who voiced their opinions against change gave our history, tradition and 35 years of recognition as the Jericho Sailing Centre as reasons to maintain our charted course. More than one member pointed to the century old Vancouver Rowing Club, who have developed strong sailing and rugby programs, as an example of keeping a traditional name which doesn't necessarily reflect the entire picture. A few kayakers felt that the word "Sailing" in our name adequately described what they do: putting out to sea in small boats and travelling across water.

SOS 2008 May 10 -Season Opening Sailpast - Plan to be there!

" 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 .

Sailing Dinghies 1300H-1330H;

Windsurfers 1330H-1400H;

Paddlers 1400H-1430H;

Rowers, Sailing Canoes and Stand Paddlers 1430H-1500H.

Jericho Boat Show OPEN HOUSE Saturday May 10

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.

Pay Parking Commences May 1

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.

Tires on a Roll - Homeless Mosquitoes Protesting

Last week the JSCA shipped approximately 400 tires out of the Jericho Sailing Centre compound for recycling under the BC Tire Stewardship Program. We have many more to go to completely rid the centre of these mosquito havens. 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 members boats stored on tires, any tires remaining under boats after the end of April may be removed by volunteer work parties.

JSCA Volunteer Work parties
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.

JSCA Office Hours
April Hours 0930H-1630H Weekdays. 0900H-1700H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 2020H).

Office Closed May 1 from 1100H-1300H

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.

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:

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

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