Jericho Sailing Centre Association

February 19, 2015
                               
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's Ocean Community Centre, for February 19, 2015 and beyond:
  
In This Issue
Storm Chase Premiere
2015 JSCA Invoices
WINTER LAUNCH LOG
Safety Your Responsibility
Join our Mailing List!

Ski Lifts Close While Ocean Playground Portal Blooms Early at Jericho

Cherry blossoms, unseasonal hay fever and naked North Shore Mountains have distinguished February 2015 in Vancouver from any other in recent memory. The nervous warm spell leading up to, and during, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics was vaguely similar, but despite the need to truck recycled Zamboni snow from hockey rinks throughout the region to shore up the competition venues at Cypress Mountain, there was still a sunny smiling veil of visible snow on our local peaks. Sucks to be a skier this year, but so far this mildly frigid summer weather in winter has been delightful for paddlers, rowers, windsurfers, dinghy sailors and other hearty cold water souls launching out of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

  

The winter of 2010 delivered plenty of post-Olympics snow in March and although winter 2015 could also quickly circle back like a seagull gybing on a Pacific gale, the Jericho Sailing Centre is being readied and made ship shape earlier than usual to meet the annual seasonal increase in Vancouver sea mammal user-ship; anticipated sooner rather than later. For this weekend we'll do something the JSCA hasn't done in our 41 year history- we'll turn on the compound water for boat washing stations in February. Due to the large areas of military grade concrete left by the former RCAF Jericho Beach Air Station which made laying pipe at a sufficient depth to avoid freezing impossible, the Jericho Sailing Centre has a summer compound water system which must be shut down and flushed; something we do every November; and re-energized when the threat of prolonged freezing periods has passed; usually late March, early April.

 

Our Annual Spring Clean-up usually commences later in March but since many of our users are not skiing as they normally are at this time of year we'd like to invite them, and all users, down to Jericho to prep boats for the season; tidy up boat storage spaces and lockers; join in a beach clean-up or volunteer work party. We'll have a large bin in the compound to facilitate any boatly junk which has accumulated over the past year. The Galley Patio & Grill is open weekends (weather depending) 0900H-Sunset, for your food & beverage pleasure.

 

For those who do venture out on the water this winter, it is important to recognize that while the air temperatures are significantly warmer than usual, the water temperatures are much the same and hypothermia is still the danger it always is. Be prepared, dress properly and sail safe.

 

Jericho Sailing Centre Volunteer Workparties Saturdays @ 1100H

Beach Cleanups: February 21 & April 18 @ 1100H

Shoreline Clean-up @ Jericho This Weekend

 
 
 
 
 
 
The Vancouver chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is conducting a shoreline clean-up of Jericho Beach this Saturday, February 21 from 1100H-1300H. For details on the clean-up or more information on our SF friends, surfride your mouse over to: protect where you play

 

 

2015 JSCA Early Payment Discount Deadline February 28

By now you should have received your email invoice for 2015 Jericho Sailing Centre Association Membership and Storage. The invoices are not due until April 1, however, you will receive a 2% discount if you pay before February 28.

 

For your convenience Visa or MasterCard payments can be made over the phone (604)224-4566. If you haven't received your email invoice please contact the office asap.

If you are not planning to renew with us in 2015 please notify the office when you vacate (prior to March 31) so that we may assign your space to another member.

 

If you sell your craft and wish to transfer your space to the new owner you must inform the office in writing.

 

 

Movie Nite @ Jericho: Red Bull Storm Chase Premiere            February 25
Join us in the Burrard Room of the Jericho Sailing Centre on February 25 at 1900H for the Premiere Vancouver showing of Storm Chase. Like the wind, admission is FREE and everyone is welcome!
 
3 STORMS, 10 SAILORS, 1 CHAMPION. THE ENTIRE PLANET AS A STAGE.
These were the breathtaking ingredients for the most challenging windsurfing contest the world has ever seen.

What started as a four month global hunt ended in a two year long journey with Ireland, Tasmania and Cornwall as the final destinations. The criteria were simple: winds greater than force ten and ten world class windsurfers (including four world champions) from eight different countries, in a frenzied and passionate fight against giant waves and storm force gusts.


Red Bull Storm Chase has delivered a new era of windsurfing performance. Previously, nobody thought it was possible to even sail in the strength of storm-force winds that each one of the three missions delivered. So Red Bull Storm Chase proved to be the most challenging windsurfing contest in the history of the sport.


The result was footage of some of the most extreme windsurfing to ever take place and images never seen before in any windsurfing movie! Get the inside line on how the storms were chased with exclusive behind the scenes footage. Look deep into the souls of the riders, as they face their fears and push the limits of wavesailing time after time.

 

Get ready to feel the full force of the ultimate windsurf movie.

For more on this film, gybe over to: Nukin' Wind!

   Proposed New Boat Sewage Regulation Flushed

In conversation with the local Transport Canada representative on Monday morning it was very clear she was "pooped out" hearing from local ocean recreationalists (including many Jericho Sailing Centre users) about proposed changes to Section 96 of Transport Canada's Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals regulations which would have allowed small vessel operators to discharge sewage waste at a distance of one nautical mile from shore. (see chart) Current regulations require no less than 3 nautical miles from shore which effectively prohibits vessels from releasing sewage anywhere in English Bay or Burrard Inlet.   
Monday afternoon she phoned back to say Ottawa had heard the message loud and clear and the proposed "3 to 1" regulation change was now "off the table" and would no longer be considered.
  
Thank you to all the readers of "in the wind" and others for taking the time to share your concerns with Federal Government representatives. We will continue to monitor issues which affect Vancouver's ocean playground and report them to you. 

2015 Jericho Sailing Centre Event Schedule

The 2015 JSCA event schedule is now up onour website Google Calendar at:

http://jsca.bc.ca/events2/google-events-calendar/

 

Winter Launch Log

 

 

 

Members who launch from the Jericho Sailing Centre at this time of year are encouraged to stop in at the Jericho office and fill out the Winter Launch Log which outlines your float plan to let people here know you are out there. 

DSA Seeking a Sailing Instructor for Summer Employment

The Disabled Sailing Association is looking for a qualified sailing instructor for the 2015 summer season. Candidates must have advanced sailing skills, first aid certification and a PCOC. CanSail Instructor certification would be an asset but is not required. Applicants must qualify under the Canada Summer Jobs program (full time student). For program information sail over to www.disabledsailingbc.org. Send resume & cover letter to Joanne Houser at jhouser@disabilityfoundation.org

February Service Hours @ Jericho

The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill is open 0900H-Sunset on weekends, weather permitting.

 

 

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

 

Members are encouraged to sign in the Winter Launch Log during office hours prior to launching.

Ocean Schools @ Jericho Sailing Centre 

Jericho Sailing Centre school programs commence in April. Dinghy Sailing, windsurfing, ocean kayaking and SUP lesson, rental and season pass gift certificates are available through Jericho Sailing Centre's affiliated schools:

 

http://jsca.bc.ca/schools/

 

 

 

 

 

Cold Water Recreation

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.

 
Here is a link provided by our member Stefan from UBC of his favourite cold water education site:
 

Batten Down the Hatches! More Pacific Storms Heading Our Way

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).

 

 

(Long-time Jericho Hobie sailor Clayton Sprung has asked us to remind all cat sailors that removing your tramp for the winter is not only prudent preventative maintenance - your tramp will last much longer - but a boat without the tramp installed will provide less wind resistance in the face of a tempest.)
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.
  
Links to previous issues