One of the most dangerous situations I can think of for operators of small water craft occurs 4 times each year in Vancouver. At the conclusion of a 45 minute HSBC Celebration of Light fireworks show, the lights suddenly go up and thousands of powerboat engines are started up. Boats are heading for home in all different directions. The sea surface is filled with crossing boat chop on waves, lights from boats and downtown reflect everywhere and a kayak, canoe, rowboat or other small vessel is almost impossible to see, even if the Skipper hasn't been drinking.
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association, in the strongest possible way, recommends that our members and other small, naturally powered craft do not put themselves in this vulnerable position. If you choose to be out there, please remember that the Coast Guard will have their hands full and may not even be able to locate your craft within the boating frenzy if you need them. Also remember, that you the Skipper, as always, are soley responsible for your safety and that of your crew.

 

On Sunday, July 19 at approximately 1930H UBC Sailing Club Instructor Marty McLennan was teaching a class of 8 students in 4 Flying Junior sailing dinghies 300 metres north of the Jericho Sailing Centre. Marty was in his small coach boat and was within 10m of one of the boats providing feedback to the sailors when he suddenly heard a loud engine noise and "out of nowhere" a motor boat barreled through at high speed smashing into their Flying Junior.

Longtime JSCA Member Ian Upright was sailing close by and saw two powerboats from "Jerry's Rentals" (advertised as "No Boating License Required") going at "all out speed" parallel through the busy boat filled area in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre. He watched in helpless horror as the sailing students scrambled out of their boat in a desperate attempt to save themselves just before the powerboat slammed into it. Although their dive may have saved their lives (the impact of the collision bent their mast like a pretzel) the propeller of the boat grazed the foot of one of the sailors causing severe injuries.

Together Marty and the other crew of the FJ were able to deliver the injured sailor to Emergency Medical Services.

As of today, our sailor is still in hospital recovering from her injuries with the future use of her foot uncertain. The Vancouver Police Department is still gathering evidence supporting criminal charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vessel Causing Bodily Harm.

Over the past 17 years the JSCA has attempted, without success, to have a powerboat exclusion zone created in the area where this accident occurred, part of a city owned waterlot connected to Jericho Park. Would such a zone have helped avoid this accident? Who can say? While the too frequent close calls between power boats and the annual 160,000 naturally powered craft launched through this area have not moved the Port of Vancouver Harbour Master, Transport Canada and the City of Vancouver to do this, we will continue to press our point, this time unfortunately armed with the knowledge of a very serious, very preventable incident and determined to do whatever we can to avoid future occurrences.

There will more on this in future "in the wind", please feel free to tell us what you think via reply email.

 

The JSCA 35th Anniversary BBQ originally scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. The date for this event will be reported as soon as it is established.

 

The annual JSCA Bailiff Auction will be held on Saturday, July 25 at Noon. Photos of boats heading to the auction as of this date are on our website at  http://www.jsca.bc.ca/bailiff09/bailiff.html  . There will be a public viewing of boats in the auction on Friday, July 24 from Noon-1900H.

 

Come to the English Bay Safety Seminar this Monday, July 27 at 1900H. Skippers are completely responsible for their safety and that of their crew when out on the water. If your knowledge is lacking here is your chance to fill in the gaps. The English Bay Safety Seminar is based on the "sea disasters" experienced in English Bay over the last 35 years as written in the logs of the Jericho Rescue Team. RSVP JSCA Office (604)224-4177.