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 October 24-30, 2008 and beyond:

JSCA's 35th AGM - It's all about our Mission and our Members
This Tuesday, October 28 at 1900H, the members of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association will gather for the 35th time at the AGM to review the year gone by and consider the future course of their unique organization.

The Annual General Meeting is the time to take stock, consider the state of the union, consider how well the JSCA is carrying out its mission to meet the needs of the people it serves and to discuss future direction. Members of the JSCA Board will report on the organizations accomplishments over the past year and challenges for the future. Eight members will be elected to the JSCA Board. All members of the JSCA are encouraged to attend and participate in their ocean access community centre's AGM.

Members Answer the Call for Nominations
Ten JSCA members put their hats in the ring for the election of JSCA Board of Directors at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. Seven seats are available for full two year terms with an eighth seat available to fill the seat vacated by a resigning Director. A list of candidates and a brief statement from each are available for viewing on our website at www.jsca.bc.ca . All current JSCA members are entitled to vote at the AGM. Please bring your 2008 JSCA Membership Card or other valid picture identification to register for a ballot. Each candidate will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves at the start of the meeting and answer any questions from the members present. Voting will commence at 1800H and will conclude at 2000H unless extended by the Chair at the meeting. Sorry, there is no provision for proxy voting.

Volunteer Paint Party Saturday at 1100H
We are looking for Latex friendly members to help paint the equipment storage lockers this Saturday, October 25 at 1100H.

UBC Sailing Club Windsurfing Swap this Sunday
Looking to bail on some old equipment or hop on to some sweet deals on pre-sailed windsurfing gear? Gybe on down to the Jericho Sailing Centre on Sunday October 26 at 1300H. Rain or Shine. If the weather is nice the swap will happen in the picnic area, if it's nasty it will happen in the hanger.

Racing Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Oct. 26
All members are invited to attend the annual JSCA Racing Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, October 26. Refreshments at 1700H, Dinner at 1800H. Tickets are $10 and available in the JSCA office up until Saturday, October 25. There will be a slideshow presentation and awards bestowed upon our notable racers and volunteers. As our way of showing appreciation for our volunteers, they receive complementary tickets. If you volunteered for the JSCA in 2008 and haven't received your invitation please contact Mike or Benj in the JSCA office.

LAST Penguin Cup Racing Series this Sunday
Nineteen Lasers and 5 Tasars competed in last weekends Penguin Cup. Racers were treated to a ceremonial "Fly Past" by three aircraft -De Havilland and Beaver seaplanes as well as a Grumman Goose flying boat. The Fly Past was part of the monument dedication ceremony for Wallace Field and honouring those who served at the Jericho Beach Air Station (now the Jericho Sailing Centre). The 2009 Fall Penguin Cup Race Series concludes this Sunday. Racing starts at 1230H. Everyone welcome.

Donate to the Disabled Sailing Association Floating Dock Fund
Are you considering making a charitable donation this year? Did you know that the first Disabled Sailing Association in Canada here at the Jericho Sailing Centre is now one of 40 in our country and the only one without a floating dock facility? In 2008 the DSA launched 800-900 sails here from the Jericho Sailing Centre but many more people were left on shore due to inaccessibility of ramp launched craft at lower tides. A dock facility would effectively increase their capacity by 50% allowing more people to escape their earthly bonds and experience the freedom of sailing over the sea.

The Disabled Sailing Association has set up a designated fund to assist with financing a new dock facility. It is now possible for people to make donations and receive charitable receipts via the DSA website at www.disabilityfoundation.org/dsa   Click "Donate Now through Canada Helps" under "Fund/Designation" click "Jericho Floating Dock Project". A charitable tax receipt will be sent via email. For more information you can contact Duane Geddes at the Disability Foundation (604)688-6464.

JSCA October Office Hours
0930H-1730H everyday. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1800H).

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
Annual General Meeting October 28 @ 1900H
Board November 4 @ 1900H
Safety November 8 @ 1000H
Planning November 18 @ 1900H

Batten Down the Hatches We're Heading Into a Patch of Rough Weather!
Every "off season" vicious wind storms rip through the Jericho Sailing Centre compound looking for loose tarps, boat covers and poorly stowed gear. When they find a loose tarp they can turn a docile hibernating boat into a flying projectile which can cause damage to neighbouring craft. Members are responsible for ensuring they have "battened down the hatches" on their equipment stored at the Jericho Sailing Centre and checking their craft after gnarly windstorms. We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round, remove any parts or equipment that can be easily removed (most thefts occur between Oct.-April) and make sure water doesn't collect inside your hull (if it freezes and expands it can cause major damage).

On the Water, Your Safety is Your Responsibility
A reminder to members who play on the bay at this time of year-place 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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