In this issue:
Natural Beach Scuttled?
Compound Spring Clean-up

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 centre, for February 20-27, 2009 and beyond:

Natural Beach on Pause for Flaws
One of the very things that make nature so appealing to many is its random asymmetry. No absolute straight lines, no perfect spheres or level ground. No brisk wind that blows steady at precisely twelve knots when you want it to, no clear-cut wave pattern that sets the ideal rhythm to always sweet spot cradle your hull, no two grains of sand exactly alike. Each time that salty sea rakes the sand from a beach it puts it back in an entirely different order -such are tides, such is natural, such are people - a harmony of flaws we couldn't hope to reproduce if we wanted to.

Back in July 2008, after a six month extensive public consultation the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, weighing all of the evidence, decided to remove the majority of the former Department of National Defense marginal wharf and return Central Jericho Beach to its natural state, freeing it from 70 years of captivity while preserving almost 5,000sq. ft. of wharf for public viewing and commemorative purposes. They made the most fiscally, environmentally and democratically sound decision-score one for nature, right?

Flash forward to 2009-crumbling concrete, toxic creosote pilings and rusty railings are suddenly poised for a big comeback, nature's freshly released beach incredibly faces the possibility of being condemned forever in the rat infested shade of a former military monolith. Uhh, what just happened here? The environmental reasons are not a speck of sand less important this year and the economics haven't become any rosier T-minus 365 days to the 2010 Olympics but, a newly elected Park Board, dedicated toward a greener Vancouver, is about to consider disqualifying the former Park Board's decision because of perceived flaws in the public consultation process. As a result the long awaited liberation of Central Jericho Beach is now on "Pause". Wonder how much this will all cost? Hope it doesn't cost nature lovers a historically significant beach.

Flash back nine thousand years, the people of the village of Ee'youghmough, located between the current day Jericho tennis courts and the wharf, launched their canoes from Central Jericho Beach. These original residents were a people who lived in harmony with their natural environment. This beach was a vital part of their existence.

A few eons later in the 1920's & 30's the Jericho Air Station launched flying boats from a simple ramp on Central Jericho Beach exploring, mapping, delivering mail and supplies up the BC Coast. This beach played a significant role in the evolution of British Columbia.

In the late 1930's, in order to accommodate larger military aircraft such as the Stranraers and Consolidated Cansos required to defend BC's Coast during WWII, the beach was temporarily sacrificed and covered by the large concrete expanse. This structure wasn't built to last forever; it served our country and in fact was only used for its designed purpose until 1948 when the Jericho Air Station was closed. The beach remains to this day, buried like a natural treasure, under 400 creosote leeching pilings and tons of concrete, home to hundreds of shore rats. Last years decision to free the beach while retaining 5,000 square feet of wharf for viewing and commemorative purposes was the right thing to do.

A small group of Vancouver citizens who were unhappy about losing the majority of the wharf have convinced today's Park Board Planning & Environment Committee that the public consultation process was flawed, such is politics. The Committee is recommending that the full Board disregard the decision and redo the public consultation process.

Just prior to casting his vote in a 3-1 Committee decision, the lone dissenting Park Board Commissioner, Ian MacKinnon, was right on the mark when he pointed out that no public consultation process is without a flaw and that the people on the wrong side of a decision
will always complain about flaws in the process. At this moment, that would appear to be those Vancouverites who favour the return of Central Jericho to a natural beach.

SAVE THE BEACH! - What Can You Do?
The Planning and Environment Committee's recommendation that sets aside the previous Park Board's decision to return Central Jericho Beach to it's natural state is tentatively on the agenda for the March 23 Board meeting. "in the wind" will continue to report on developments in this matter and encourage readers to, once again, be involved in the process.

Thanks To The Best Crew in Vancouver!
On behalf of all JSCA members thanks to all of the fine folks who volunteered in the Jericho Sailing Centre booth at the Vancouver Boat Show. Close to 60 people volunteered to set up the display and spread the good news about low cost accessible programs through Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre.

Compound Clean-up - Volunteer Work Parties
The JSCA Board is encouraging all members to participate in the 2009 Jericho Sailing Centre Compound Beautification Project by keeping your boat and storage space ship shape and by participating with volunteer work parties in 2009 to help clean up aisle ways and other common space areas. We have a bin onsite for the next two weeks to facilitate the initial purge in our annual compound clean-up; please pitch in. Members can jettison their onsite junk into the bin on the main aisle way anytime or join in on the next volunteer work party on Saturday, February 28 at 1000H.

Aluminum Recycling Program
Do you have old or broken spars you'd like to get rid of? The UBC Sailing Club is facilitating an aluminum recycling program at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Just leave your aluminum to be recycled in the plaza beside the grass rigging area by February 28 and it will be removed for recycling.

Help Wanted - "in the wind" Design Challenged
Thank you to the members who contacted me after receiving the last "in the wind" to point out that the new look dark blue font on a light blue background just wasn't working. It occurred to me that there may be creative folks amongst our 3,500 member ship with actual expertise who may be willing to volunteer to develop a template that we can just spill words and pictures into. Anyone interested please reply by return email.

Paddlers Movie Night March 19
On Thursday, March 19 at 1930H Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre and WestCoastPaddler.com present "Eastern Horizons", a movie by Bryan Smith in the Burrard Room of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

Over the course of 2008, Bryan Smith and Lise-Anne Beyries have been
producing the first ever adventure sea kayaking film which comprehensively
explores North America's eastern sea board. Documenting the entire length of
the East Coast from Florida to Newfoundland, Eastern Horizons aims to blend
the rich history and culture of the Atlantic with world class sea kayakers,
idyllic destinations, incredible wildlife and compelling stories of people
who's lives are deeply connected to the Atlantic Ocean. From paddling the
wildlife rich swamps and mangroves of the Carolinas to the icebergs of
Newfoundland; from surfing the "zipper" at Tybee Island, Georgia to playing
in the tidal flows around Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy; and from capturing the
iconic urban landscapes of New York City to the remote fishing villages of
Quebec's north shore, Eastern Horizons will inspire paddlers and
non-paddlers alike to get out and explore the ocean! Doors open at 7:30pm
Tickets: $5 available at Ecomarine Granville Island. Link to Eastern Horizons blog:
http://reelwaterproductions.com/eastern-horizons/

2009 Jericho Sailing Centre Association - Fees Due April 1
A reminder that your 2009 JSCA Membership and Storage fees are due April 1, 2009. A late fee of $30 will apply to fees paid between April 2-30; a $60 late fee will be applied to late payments received during the month of May, and after that things go from bad to worse and your ship could end up on the craggy rocks of our annual bailiff auction. If you are planning not to store your craft at the Jericho Sailing Centre this year please ensure that you vacate by March 31 and notify the JSCA office so we may bring boats in from our waiting list.

JSCA's 35th Anniversay Fundraising Campaign
Thank you to all the members who have participated in the JSCA's 35th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign to date - so far, your response has been outstanding. Members are directing their donations to the following categories:
1) Compound Enhancement
2) Building Enhancement
3) Jericho Rescue
4) Disabled Sailing Association Dock Fund***
5) General
***As the JSCA is not a registered charity, if you require a charitable receipt for tax purposes please direct your donation to the DSA Dock Fund and the DSA will send you a receipt.

The JSCA Fundraising Committee developed the following letter which was included in the annual JSCA invoicing package explaining the JSCA 35th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign:

For 35 years, The Jericho Sailing Centre Association has operated as a not-for-profit society dedicated to low cost ocean access recreation. As the largest community-based aquatic association of its kind in Canada, we're proud of what we've been able to offer our members and the public. During 2008, JSCA's achievements were remarkable:

Memberships provided 3,500
Clubs accommodated 38
Guests served 15,000
Youth participants in lessons 4,600
(sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, skimboarding)
Disabled Sailing Assoc. sessions 900
Competition events hosted 70
Mariners in distress rescued 241
(by our volunteer Rescue Team)

Great! What about next year? Despite these impressive accomplishments, and the increasing demand for memberships and services, JSCA currently faces more challenges than ever. As the Association doesn't receive taxpayer or government funding, it depends solely on its members and other users of the Jericho Sailing Centre to fund the annual operating budget as well as essential upgrades, enhancements and improvements for the benefit of all members, guests and other participants.

What can be done? As we develop alternative fundraising initiatives to ensure the smooth operation of the Jericho Sailing Centre now and in the foreseeable future, we're pleased to introduce JSCA's first Annual Giving Campaign.

What's the goal of Annual Giving? The Annual Giving Fund represents the ongoing contributions by members and friends of the Jericho Sailing Centre who wish to provide much needed continuing support for the Centre. The goal of this year's Annual Giving Fund is to raise $40,000. Monies raised will be applied towards JSCA's Building and Compound Enhancement, Jericho Safety & Rescue, and additional facilities for the Disabled Sailing Association. If you're passionate about the Jericho Sailing Centre, have benefited from all it has to offer individuals, families and children, and want to see the legacy of this spectacular facility and location continue to thrive, Annual Giving is a great way to give back to the Centre. JSCA needs your support. Your gift, whatever the size, will make a difference.

Can I direct my gift? You certainly can! You may choose to contribute an unrestricted gift to the General Fund that can be used in the area of greatest need as directed by the JSCA Board. You can also choose to direct your donation to an area of JSCA you feel most passionate about. JSCA also welcomes planned giving and living legacy giving (please contact the office for more information).

How can I make a contribution? Include your donation with your annual JSCA fees or download the Donation Form from our website and fax it to 604-224-4168, or mail or drop it off in person at JSCA, 1300 Discovery St., Vancouver, BC V6R 4L9 (Tel 604-224-4177).

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Please consider supporting JSCA through this year's Annual Giving Campaign.
Thank you.

Upcoming JSCA Meetings
Operations Committee March 3 @ 1900H
Food & Beverage Committee March 9 @ 1900H
JSCA Board March 10 @ 1900H
JSCA Programmes Committee March 31 @ 1900H
Safety Committee April 4 @ 1000H
Committee minutes and meeting schedules can be found on our website at www.jsca.bc.ca to facilitate member awareness and involvement in their one of a kind, world class, ocean access community centre.

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.

JSCA Office Hours
February Hours 0930H-1700H Weekdays. 0900H-1700H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1745H)

Links to previous issues