Jericho Sailing Centre "in the wind" October 12, 2007

Ahoy JSCA Members:
Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, your ocean access community centre, for October 12-October 19, 2007 and beyond:

Nature Demands Our Respect
The lure of the sea calls out to every member of the Jericho Sailing Centre community. It's in our blood: adrenalin and salt water. The thrill of playing in harmony with nature's most powerful elements, wind and waves, draws us like lint to Velcro, a magnetic force that sticks to our souls and becomes a very part of our way through life. Those of us who answer to her call need never fear the awesome power of nature, but we must always respect it and use our intimate knowledge of her to keep us safe.

The tragic event last weekend in the waters of Howe Sound off Porteau Cove that claimed the lives of two paddlers heightens a well established prevailing awareness in our community of the potential danger, and is a sad reminder to those who may have forgotten or allowed the joy of ocean recreation to let their safety sense slip and take nature's fond embrace for granted-take this message to strengthen your safety resolve. Human life in the eye of nature is a fragile flower which can be nurtured and blossom, or harshly crushed in an instant, lost in one unrecoverable moment of careless disregard. Kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, the sports we enjoy, at play in the sea are no more dangerous today than they were prior to last weekend. Exposure to the elements, hypothermia, is an ever present reality we must be properly prepared for, nature always requires our respect.

JSCA Notice of AGM Tuesday October 23 at 1900H
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association's 34th Annual General Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 1900H in the English Bay Banquet Room of the Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver, B.C. The 2006/2007 J.S.C.A. Board and Committees will report on their accomplishments this past year and the challenges for the future. Voting will take place to elect eight members to the JSCA Board to a two year term and one director to a one year term. Please plan to attend and participate in the future direction of your ocean access community centre.

Members Answer the Call for Nominations
Eleven JSCA members put their hats in the ring for the election of JSCA Board of Directors at the 2007 Annual General Meeting. Eight seats are available for full two year terms with a ninth seat available to fill the seat recently vacated by a resigning Director. A list of candidates and a brief statement from each are available for viewing on our website at www.jsca.bc.ca . All current JSCA members are entitled to vote at the AGM. Please bring your 2007 JSCA Membership Card or other valid picture identification to register for a ballot. Each candidate will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves at the start of the meeting and answer any questions from the members present. Voting will commence at 1800H and will conclude at 2000H unless extended by the Chair at the meeting.

Jericho Racers Master the World
Jericho racing regulars Deirdre Webster and Jacek Suski "beamed' over to Roses, Spain for the 2007 World Laser Masters Championship and did very well. Deirdre, who also serves on the JSCA Board, finished first in the Women's Radial Great Grand Masters Class. Jacek finished 19th in a 75 boat Grand Master fleet.

Weekly Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
Penguin Cup Racing October 14 & 21

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
JSCA AGM October 23 @ 1900H
JSCA Board November 13 @ 1900H

Be a Good Neighbour, Join the Jericho Stewardship Group
If you really dig Jericho Beach Park, come out and dig it with our friendly neighbours of the Jericho Stewardship Group. They meet on the second Sunday of each month at 0900H at the wooden bridge between the two ponds at Jericho. Their volunteer work parties remove invasive plants, replant native species and do other projects to enhance wildlife habitat at Jericho Beach Park. For more info contact our longtime JSCA kayaking member, Dawn Hanna at jerichostewardshipgroup@telus.net

JSCA Office Hours
October Hours 0930H-1730H Weekdays. 0900H-1800H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1830H and fading fast).

On the Water, Your Safety is Your Responsibility
A reminder to members who play on the bay at this time of year-place an extra emphasis on boat safety for yourself and your crew. Jericho Rescue and other boaters are notably scarce at this time of the year so you must take extra care to ensure a safe on water session. It starts with a check of the weather forecast and tidal activity. Let a friend or family member know you are going, where you are going and when you expect to be back on shore (follow-up with an après sailing phone call). Do a meticulous pre-launch check of your craft and equipment. Recognize when conditions are beyond your ability and choose not to launch. Make sure you are properly dressed-wetsuit/drysuit/hat/booties/gloves-including your PFD. Double check your safety equipment-paddles, bailer, whistle, flares. Know when the sun is setting and understand that the wind often shuts off abruptly in the hour before sunset. Don't go farther from shore than you care to paddle back if you or your equipment should fail or the wind shuts off.

One final tip: enclose your fully charged cell phone in two sealed sandwich bags and keep on your person. In the event of a sea disaster you can't solve yourself, dialing *311 will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Centre.

Fair winds,
Mike

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