IN THIS ISSUE
Wharf Update
Earth Day
Beach BBQ

When the shadow clicked past the old sundial odometer on April 1, 2009, a nautical milestone was passed in this city named after a prominent seafarer. On that day the Jericho Sailing Centre marked the launch of it's 35th season providing low cost, naturally powered small craft ocean access programs, facilities and services accessible to all Vancouverites.

On November 24, 1974 the fledgling non-profit, volunteer driven, passion fueled, non-taxpayer funded, user supported Jericho Sailing Centre Association was formed and between then and April 1, 1975 reached a tentative one year agreement with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to provide Vancouverites, thirsty for low cost recreation on the sea, with Community Centre style access. Since our humble beginnings when we served a few hundred people the population of Vancouver has doubled and demand for ocean access has increased exponentially. In 2008 more than 15,000 people from throughout the city and Metro Vancouver area, from all walks of life, from all of life's circumstances, launched from the Jericho Sailing Centre and experienced Vancouver's marine environment first hand.
Throughout this year the Jericho Sailing Centre Association welcomes all Vancouverites to join us in the celebration of our city's marine environment, seaside heritage and the unique recreational opportunities available through the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre.
Fair winds,
Mike

Park Board prepares shady process to keep costly toxic waste on Jericho Beach

When you spend your life around sea level you become keenly aware when something smells fishy. Vancouver citizens, catching a whiff of the westerly Pacific spring breeze are about to discover that something just died on Central Jericho beach.

The July 2008 Park Board decision to retain 5,000sq ft. of the former Department of National Defense wharf for viewing and commemorative purposes and return the rest of Central Jericho Beach to it's natural state is about to be suddenly capsized as the widespread public consultation it was based on is shanghaied and drowned.

The newly elected Park Board, at their March 23 meeting, beholding to a small determined group of wharf advocates, voted 4-2 (Commissioners Robertson & MacKinnon dissenting) to disregard the economically, environmentally and democratically sound decision made by the former Park Board. The democratic process, open to every citizen, has been swept aside, tossed overboard, and a new "public" process is being fashioned which will include only a select few at twice the cost of the original. A cynic might say that the outcome will be predetermined by "who" the select few are.

Details of the new process are expected to be revealed sometime in the next couple of weeks. They will be reported "in the wind" and the JSCA will encourage everyone who cares about Jericho Park's environment, natural history, flexibility of future use, as well as responsible use of taxpayer dollars and democratic principles, to get involved.

Meanwhile, that sloshing sound you hear is the projected annual maintenance bill of $60-$100,000 required for a rehabilitated wharf ebbing and flowing from taxpayer pockets through 400 ocean toxic creosote pilings supporting 11/2 acres of wasted crumbling concrete park space that, since the dark days of World War II has shaded and shielded a historic culturally significant shore, keeping the sun and citizens off of Central Jericho Beach. Couldn't those taxpayer dollars be better spent somewhere else?

Time to stow the snow gear, get off the couch and get your boat ready for the new season. No more procrastinating, the JSCA will provide buckets, long handled brushes and a pressure washer available to members who have paid their 2009 fees. 0930H-1700H.

The naval conflict begins in earnest this Sunday as the JSCA launches another season of dinghy sail racing. 1230H.

Notice of Race

"Celebrate nature and community with Evergreen's 9th Annual Earth Day celebration. Together with the Jericho Stewardship Group, we invite you to join in and help plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers to restore habitat at Jericho Park.

This family-friendly event will feature an entertaining journey with a processional band, a day-long drum circle, hands-on activities, First Nations storytelling, fantastic food and more.

No planting experience is required. Tools and gloves will be provided. Bus, bike or walk and leave the car at home."

Once all the seeds of Earth Day have been sown, the JSCA Board of Directors invites all members and our guests to join them for a Jericho Sailing Centre 35th Anniversary Earth Day "Save Jericho Beach" BBQ commencing at 1600H. Plan to celebrate the earth, the ocean, the beach and the salt of the earth people at Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre.

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 2009 events calendar. Qualified candidates can sign up for the Jericho Rescue Team Training Course which will be conducted on April 25 & 26. 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 Benj, Rory or myself in the Jericho office to discuss your qualification for this program.

Hobie Spring Cleaning & Upcoming Vancouver Regatta June 21st to 22nd

Spring cleaning not only happens in the home but at the sailing yard! We hope to provide interesting articles once a month to fellow cat sailors and welcome anyone interested in learning more about catamarans whether it be socially or racing. For those who have boats in need of repair, we have attached a link to our most recent issue of Hobie Hotline. In it, there is an article on page 12 to 13 called "This Old Hobie" on Non-Skid Repair that will help give you tips needed to get you on the water this season!

www.hobiecat.com/hobieclass

Also, Hobie Fleet 214 is looking forward to yet another successful regatta season across the North West and will be taking part in the Hobie North American Championships held at Lake Havasu in November = 15 knots, warm breeze and desert lake sailing. For those staying within town, Hobie will be hosting their annual Vancouver regatta on the Hobie Circuit which brings out at least 30+ boats on the water and makes for a great weekend to meet fellow skippers and hear tales of lore. This family friendly regatta will be held on June 21st to 22nd and welcomes sailors from as far as Oregon, Washington and Vancouver Island. If you have any questions, you can contact us through our fleet
www.hobiefleet214.com

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.

Operations April 7 @ 1900H (Storage Appeals)
Food & Beverage April 8 @ 1900H
JSCA Board April 14 @ 1900H

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.

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.

Links to previous issues