Jericho Sailing Centre AssociationJanuary 16, 2013
                
in the wind
Ahoy Vancouver Ocean Lovers: 
   
Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver' Ocean Access Community Centre, for January 16, 2013 and beyond:
 
In This Issue
MAYDAY Kitsilano!
2013 JSCA Fees
Boat Show Crew
Safety Your Responsibility
Cold Water Survival
Join our Mailing List!

2013 - Year of the Paddle @ Jericho      

Twenty thirteen is the "Year of the Paddle" at the Jericho Sailing Centre. It is the 20th anniversary of the opening of our very successful kayaking school in 1993. That same year the nucleus of our community paddling spirit, the Jericho Outrigger Canoe Club, joined the JSCA family of clubs. This year the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation will officially open the newly restored section of Jericho Beach, adjacent to the Jericho Sailing Centre, which has paddling roots linked to the earliest human history of the Vancouver area almost 3,000 years ago.


There are several paddling events on the Jericho Sailing Centre's 2013 calender including the opening event of the year: the Pacific NW Outrigger Racing Canoe Association event (January 26); the second year of our Thursday Nite Paddling Race Series; MEC Paddlefest; JOCC Iron Race; Vancouver SUP Race; and the 3,500 participant UBC Day of the Longboat.






Throughout the year we'll be celebrating the paddle, the most dependable method of propulsion in use at Vancouver's Ocean Community Centre. We hope you'll join in the fun!     
 
 
Kitsilano Coast Guard Station Update - Rally @ Jericho THIS SATURDAY


Last week Deputy Oceans & Fisheries Minister Randy Kamp announced that the student staffed summer rescue  boat station intended to fill the void left by the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station would be located at HMCS Discovery, just off of Stanley Park, in Vancouver. He avoided mentioning the navy station's geographical location: Deadman Island.

Ignoring their own data, which indicates 66% of the Kitsilano CCG Station's "life at risk" calls occur outside of the new station's Victoria Day to Labour Day operational period, Mr Kamp and his Conservative MP colleagues have abandoned ship on protecting Canadians in Canada's busiest marine area. Despite pleas from the Canadian Coast Guard's "rescue partners", including marine police and fire services, that lives will be lost, the Conservatives are still saying "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" in their effort to save $700,000.  This is the same crew that is spending $30 million commemorating the War of 1812. Apparently living Canadians aren't as important to them.

This Saturday we invite everyone to join voices at an all-party public rally in support of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station at the Jericho Sailing Centre at 1100H - speakers will include BC Conservative Leader (and former Fisheries Minister) John Cummings as well as BC NDP Opposition Leader Adrian Dix. Our local Conservative MP's have failed to represent Vancouver's marine community which represents more than 20 million human transits of the area covered by the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station. Please join us this Saturday as we will launch our appeal to the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.  
JSCA 2013 Membership and Storage Fees
There is an anomaly in our annual billing for JSCA Membership and Storage fees this year due to the transition away from HST on April 1.  Our membership year covers the period from April 1 to March 31 of the following year, however, Revenue Canada requires us to charge HST if we invoice prior to April 1. For that reason, the JSCA will send out our annual invoice via mail and email on April 1 due, for this year only, by April 30. The regular late fee of $60 will apply on May 1. Anyone wishing to pay the HST can contact the office prior to April 1 for a special invoice.

In December the JSCA Board approved the following increases: Memberships 3% (rounded up to the nearest dollar; Craft Storage 4.5%; and Lockers 5%. With these increases, the JSCA still provides the best ocean recreational facilities at the lowest price in Vancouver and with the transition away from HST, members will be paying less in 2013 than they did in 2012.
Send Us Your Photos -  King Tides Rule the Land of Jericho

  

 

 

 

As the world's ocean's continue to rise, the ever adaptable, Jericho Sailing Centre will evolve from a dry storage facility to "paddle right to & from your spot". Every year "King Tides", such as this 16.4' monster, combine with storm surge remnants to bring the ocean right into the compound. JSCA' s Planning Committee has been focusing on this problem over the past couple of years as the compound grade is much lower in the south section than it is shown here at Gate # 2.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

JSCA Volunteer Crew Wanted - Vancouver Boat Show - February 7 - 11

The 2013 Vancouver Boat Show will take place from February 7-13, at BC Place Stadium. The show runs Thursday through the new BC Family Day holiday Monday. The JSCA will have an informational display at the show and is looking for JSCA member volunteers to crew our booth. It's a great way to meet your fellow members, spread the good word about the Jericho Sailing Centre and gain free admission to the show. 

 

 

The show hours are 1100H-2100H Thursday & Friday; 1000H-2100H on Saturday; 1000H-1900H on Sunday; and 1000-1700 on Monday.  We are looking for volunteers for two hour shifts. Volunteers will receive free admission to the show. To sign up email Holly at admin@jsca.bc.ca .   For more info on the 2013 Vancouver Boat Show, showboat your mouse over to http://www.vancouverboatshow.ca .

 


Point Grey Road Cycling Corridor
 
 Thank you to Lillian Zaremba for sending us the following:

This may be of interest to JSCA members who want to advocate for improved ocean-side bicycle access for their route to Jericho.    

 

Point Grey - Cornwall Ave Corridor Up for Potential Bike Improvements

In a recent survey, HUB respondents identified this corridor as being the top choice for the next separated cycling facility. The City of Vancouver is starting consultations around linking Downtown to Kitsilano and Point Grey, and also address existing safety and speed issues. Please attend open houses and write mayor and council in support. 

City of Vancouver Information & Open House Dates   


Dress Appropriately for Cold Water Conditions
There are many people, particularly Stand Up Paddlers, launching from Jericho Beach these days who are new to cold water ocean recreation. Here are some things they must know about:

Appropriate Attire - Dress for Cold Water Immersion
The water temperature is well below the level where it is safe to recreate without a proper (no shorties) wetsuit or drysuit. People who get into serious trouble at this time of year have often made the mistake of dressing for the air temperature not the water temperature, which is fine until something goes wrong and they suddenly find themselves immersed in the water. 

 

Use Your Head
Significant heat loss is through your head. When you consider that hypothermia is the most significant danger experienced ocean recreationalists face and a neoprene cowling cost $15 at MEC, you don't need a calculator to do the math. A wool toque or hat will also work quite well.

 

Always Stay with Your Craft
When a sailing dinghy, windsurfer or kayak capsizes they are usually within a couple of swim strokes of their crew. Some craft, particularly SUP's and surf skis, require a safety leash (in good condition and properly attached) as they can easily get away in a capsize situation. Never leave your craft in an emergency situation as it is far easier to spot than a person in the water. 

Use the Buddy System 
Always sail, paddle, row with someone else, especially in cold water conditions. Let a reliable friend or relative know when and where you are going and when you expect to return. Diligently contact them upon your safe return. If you are launching from Jericho Beach stop in at the JSCA office to let us know when and where you are going and when you expect to return.

Be Aware of Sunset
Recently, JSCA staff have witnessed people launching within a few minutes of sunset. This is a dangerous practice. If something goes wrong for you: equipment failure; changing conditions; fatigue, etc., you are very difficult to find in the dark. Make sure your safety float plan includes plenty of time to get off of the water before sunset.
 

 http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/   
Batten Down the Hatches - Storm Season Approaching
 

 

 

Jericho Sailing Centre Etiquette 
 

Common sense and consideration of fellow members help make the Jericho Sailing Centre a true community centre with a friendly salt water community atmosphere. Here are a few etiquette reminders to keep things sailing along smoothly:

 

  • Do not leave your craft unattended on the shoreline for extended periods - share the shore.                          
  • RAMPS, and the areas adjacent to launching ramps, are for craft launch/retrieval only. Do not rig, repair or otherwise loiter in this area.
  • Do not leave or rig your craft in the rinsing areas adjacent to hosing stations. 
  • The Jericho Sailing Centre is a SMOKE FREE facility. There is No Smoking permitted in any Vancouver Park or beach area.
  • Give pathway users the right of way and bear in mind they may be distracted and not aware that you are crossing the pathway with your craft or launch rope.
  • launch dollies are for launching/retrieval only (not for storage) and must be returned to the fence immediately after use.
  • if you launch from your own dolly or trailer return it to your storage spot after launching.
  • do not use the winches unless you are familiar with their safe operation. Winch instruction is available from staff or Jericho Rescue Team members. Only members or registered guests may use winches & dollies.
  • only leashed, well behaved dogs are allowed in the compound, no dogs are allowed in the building or on the deck. Do not tie dogs to the base of stairwells or in other traffic areas. Do not leave your dog onshore while you are on the water. The City prohibits dogs on beaches. In consideration of other Jericho users please consider leaving your dog at home while visiting the Jericho Sailing Centre.
  • Please coil hoses immediately after use and conserve water.
  • Do not block aisle ways.
  • Rinse racks are for rinsing not drying.
  • Swimming is prohibited in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre.
 
SAFETY is Your Responsibility
On the ocean there are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Regardless of how you decide to use the ocean always show courtesy to others. Please adhere to the code listed below and share with others the responsibility for a safe ocean experience. 

 
It is every member's responsibility to know and observe the rules of the road when on or near the water. Here are some key rules which every Jericho member must know and practice.

 
1. Always wear your P.F.D. on the water.
2. Sail powered craft have the right of way over power craft, paddle and rowing powered craft.
3. All non-commercial vessels shall keep well clear of commercial vessels.
4. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to pass between a tug and it's tow.
5. A port tack sailing vessel shall keep clear of a starboard tack vessel.
6. A windward vessel shall keep clear of a leeward vessel.
7. A vessel clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel ahead.
8. Any vessel overtaking another shall keep clear.
9. A vessel tacking or gybing shall keep clear of a vessel on a tack.
10.The area south of the orange can buoys is for training or transiting only.
11.Swimming or wading on the beach in front of the Centre is prohibited and is particularly dangerous for small children.
12.It is unsafe to loiter or let children play near the bottom of launching ramps.
13. Stay well clear of the end of the Jericho Pier as fishers cast lines as far as possible
14. Be cautious of pathway traffic when launching/retrieving
15. Do not leave your craft on the shoreline for extended periods of time
Common sense goes a long way toward maintaining a safe environment. Membership in the Jericho Sailing Centre Association is contingent on members knowing and observing the Safe Ocean Sailing rules.
 
Links to previous issues