Jericho Sailing Centre AssociationNovember 19, 2014
                                               
in the wind
Serving Vancouver's Ocean Community for 40 Years 
February 13, 2014
Ahoy Vancouver Ocean Lovers: 
 
Here is what's "in the wind"; coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Community Centre, for November 19, 2014 and beyond:
  
In This Issue
2015 Event Planning
Surfrider Foundation
Winter Launch Log
Vancouver Boat Show
Safety Your Responsibility
Join our Mailing List!

2015 Annual Fleet Planning Meeting November 25 @ 1900H

 

 

Racers, whatever your class, this is the meeting where we lay out the first draft of the 2015 JSCA Event Schedule. If you have an idea for an event, or how we can make racing programs better, come to this meeting, share your ideas and help us plan for a successful 2015.

Friends in Low Places - Surfrider Foundation Underwater Clean-up

 Ten volunteer divers from the Surfrider Foundation visited the Jericho Sailing Centre on November 15 and with the assistance of the Jericho Rescue Team removed 350 Kg. of rubbish from beneath the Jericho Pier.

 

The Surfrider Foundation is a global environmental non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

 

For more info. about the Surfrider Foundation and it's Vancouver chapter, hang ten over to: http://vancouverbc.surfrider.org/ 

WINTER STORM SEASON - Batten Down Your 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. If your boat causes damage to neighbouring craft you can be held liable. We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round (particularly before & after gnarly windstorms), 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).

JSCA Committee Season

 

The 2014/2015 JSCA Board met for the first time earlier this month, elected their Executive (President, Chris Stairs; Vice-president, Tony Martin; Treasurer, Brian Hunt; Executive Secretary, Jeri Griffith) and established the initial Committee Meeting Schedule. Members are encouraged to participate on the committees to help us ensure that the JSCA best serves the needs of all members. If you are unable to personally attend but have some ideas you'd like to see happen please email me and I will take them to the appropriate committee meeting. The following is a list of JSCA standing committees and a summary of their functions:

 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE (Next meeting November 24 @ 1700H)

To seek funds and other donations to support the ongoing operation of the Jericho Sailing Centre.
 

PROGRAMMES COMMITTEE (Next Meeting November 25 @ 1900H)

To plan J.S.C.A. Special Events and racing schedule. To oversee all aspects of racing at J.S.C.A including including race officer training for an adequate number of volunteers. To oversee the production of the J.S.C.A. newsletter to ensure it is produced and distributed with reasonable frequency and adequate quality. To oversee the development and maintenance of the JSCA website.

 

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Next Meeting November 26 @ 1630H)To serve as the Jericho Sailing Centre's Technical Maintenance Committee for the building, compound, ramps and beaches. To consider requests for annual allocation and restricted use of club/meet­ing rooms, craft storage, and locker space. To receive and consider members' appeals of administration decisions in reference to storage and space allocation, and make recommenda­tions to the Board.
 

SAFETY COMMITTEE (Next Meeting November 26 @ 1730H)

To oversee the operation and maintenance of all J.S.C.A. power craft and accessory equipment. Be responsible for training and testing all operators of J.S.C.A. power craft. Oversee the Jericho Rescue Team Program. To maintain a safety conscious atmosphere for J.S.C.A. users, both on the water and in/around the compound.
 

PLANNING COMMITTEE (TBA Early 2015)

To provide a structure for the on-going function and development of the physical plant of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association.

 

Upcoming JSCA Board Meetings:

Tuesdays: December 9; January 27; February 17; all @ 1900H

Cold Weather Safety & Winter Launch Log

 

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.

 

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 and fill out the WINTER LAUNCH LOG 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.

 
Here is a link to give you more information on coping with cold water conditions:
 

Join Jericho @ The 2015 Vancouver Boat Show

The 2015 Vancouver Boat Show will take place from January 21-25, at BC Place Stadium. 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.

 

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 2015 Vancouver Boat Show, showboat your mouse over to http://www.vancouverboatshow.ca .

November Hours @ Jericho

The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill will be open this weekend, November 22 & 23, 1100H-1700H and then go into winter hibernation until January 24.

 

The JSCA Office will be open everyday 0930-1700H. 

Jericho Sailing Centre Etiquette 
 

Common sense and consideration of fellow members and other users 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:

 

  • No Alcohol is permitted within the Jericho Sailing Centre other than that served by the Jericho Galley Patio & Grill or by a duly authorized affiliated club with a Special Occasion Permit. At no time is alcohol permitted outside of a licensed area.                   
  • 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 dollys 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 leave dollys on the beach.
  • 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.

0.5 IT IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID A COLLISION 
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.
  
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