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 30-November 5, 2008
and beyond:
Ocean Kayaking Premiere at Jericho this Saturday at 8pm
Award
winning film-maker Justine Curgenven showcases some of the world's
most outstanding ocean kayaking destinations in this entertaining
video which is guaranteed to inspire you to get out on the water.
Featuring 3 fascinating expedition stories about Haida culture
& humpback whales around British Columbia's Queen Charlotte
Islands; island hopping from Australia to Tasmania across the
Bass Strait; & a 2400km trip around the stunning South island
of New Zealand complete with intimidating surf & a helicopter
evacuation. Also included; Rough water rolling, Greenland rope
gymnastics & commando kayaking with DUBSIDE, Kayak fishing
in San Diego, Rock hopping in Baja, kayak games with father
and son in Norways stunning fjords, paddling the Dead Sea in
Israel, Seakayaking the Grade 4 Ottawa River, Lake Superiors
Apostle islands AND MORE! Tickets are $5 and must be purchased
through Ecomarine's Granville Island store (604)689-7575.
JSCA 35th Annual General Meeting Report
Forty-six members turned out to the Jericho Sailing Centre Association's
Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 28. Our President,
Gail Owen and committee chairs reported on accomplishments over
the past year along with challenges for the future. A summary
of 2008 Board and Committee reports can be found on our website.
JSCA members elected Ray Douthwaite, Andy Hunt, Mark Scott,
Chris Stairs, Ian Upright, Ivan Waissbluth and Deirdre Webster
to a two year term on the board. James Kennedy was elected to
a one year term. The first meeting of the new board will be
on Tuesday, November 4 at 1900H and, of course, all members
are welcome to attend. The Board will elect the President, Vice-president,
Treasurer and Executive Secretary for 2008/2009 at this meeting.
Interim Committee Chairs will also be selected and committee
meeting dates will be set. This first forming meeting of the
board usually includes a review of JSCA's 5 Year Strategic Plan
and plenty of brainstorming with respect to the development
of the JSCA's Annual Action Plan-between now and this meeting
is a great time for members to provide ideas, input and feedback
- click reply to this email and let us know what you think.
2008 Volunteer of the Year
Sixty-two members attended the Annual JSCA Volunteer Appreciation
and Racing Awards Dinner last Sunday. Many thanks were heaped
on all of our volunteers and in particular our 2008 Volunteer
of the Year: John Hainsworth. John was instrumental in redesigning
and constructing our monohull launch dollies over the past year.
Honourable mention was given to Michael Jocelyn who championed
the removal and recycling of 1,100 discarded tires from or compound.
Michael was concerned about Coastal Health Department warnings
about the spread of the mosquito borne West Nile Virus and the
importance of reducing mosquito nesting opportunities such as
stagnant water in discarded tires. Michael personally carried
hundreds of tires scattered throughout our 4-1/2 acre compound
to the pick-up area proving himself a tireless JSCA volunteer.
Volunteer Paint Party Saturday at 1100H
We are looking for Latex friendly members to help paint the
equipment storage lockers this Saturday, November 1 at 1100H.
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. 1750H).
Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
Board November 4 @ 1900H
Safety November 8 @ 1000H
Planning November 18 @ 1900H
Batten Down the Hatches
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
Links to previous issues
|