Jericho Sailing Centre AssociationJanuary 24, 2018
                            
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 January 24, 2018 and beyond:
  
In This Issue
2018 Invoices Launched
STORM WARNING
WINTER LAUNCH LOG
Safety Your Responsibility
Join our Mailing List!
2018 JSCA Invoices Have Been Sent
Email invoices for 2018 JSCA Membership and Storage fees were sent out earlier this week.
(members who opted for regular mail should receive theirs within the next few days). The invoices are not due until April 1, however, you will receive a 2% discount if you pay before February 28, 2018.
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 2018 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. 

STORM WARNING: 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).

PNWORCA Coming to Jericho February 17
The first official on water event of 2018 kicks off from the Jericho Sailing Centre Saturday, February 17 at 1100H as the Jericho Paddling Club hosts the Vancouver leg of the Pacific North West ORCA (Outrigger Racing Canoe Association) series. The race is a mass start in single and double outrigger canoes, surf skis, & SUPs from the Sailing Centre. Race course will be determined race day depending on tide, wind and weather conditions. Estimated distance: 10k.

For more info on the race and how to register, splash over to:
http://www.pnworca.org/

Many thanks to Jan Chaverie for sharing, and Roger Pimenta for the use of his awesome photos.   

Jericho Rescue Team Training Course
The Jericho Rescue Team is looking for current JSCA members who are physically fit, confident, experienced sailors, windsurfers, paddlers and/or rowers and are interested in further developing their seamanship and water safety skills, 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 safety and rescue coverage for the over 80 on-water event days on our 2018 events calendar. Qualified candidates can sign up for the Jericho Rescue Team Training Course which will be conducted on April 28 & 29. We provide training in water safety and seamanship, boat handling, 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 Andrei or Mike in the Jericho office to discuss your qualification for this program. 

Volunteer Thanks! 

Thank you to the 30+ JSCA members who helped crew the Jericho Sailing Centre Booth at the Vancouver Boat Show last week.

January/February Service Hours @ Jericho

The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill will be open weekends at 1100H rain or shine (if snow, they close).

 

The JSCA Office will be open everyday 0930-1700H for the next couple of weeks. As sunset gets later, we will adjust our hours to match. 

 

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

2018 Jericho Sailing Centre Event Schedule

The 2018 event schedule is on our website Google Calendar at:

http://jsca.bc.ca/events

 

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. 

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:
 
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.