Jericho Sailing Centre "in the wind" October 19, 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 19-October 26, 2007 and beyond:

2007 Year of the Volunteer
A few years ago when the world celebrated the "International Year of the Volunteer" the Jericho Sailing Centre Association was right on board, recognizing the important contribution that volunteers bring to everyday life in modern society. It wasn't much of a stretch for Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre because really, when you think about it, every year here is "the year of the volunteer". The Jericho Sailing Centre was conceived, brought into this world, has been nurtured, grown and developed by passionate volunteers who beat a well worn pathway to the sea through these gates for all to enjoy. In 2007 the tradition continued. While other community centre's in Vancouver sat dead in the water this past summer due to a labour dispute, our volunteer crew laboured on, unhindered, striving to bring our sea salt seasoned community top notch racing and safety programs, facility maintenance & enhancement and governance through the board and it's committees. There is a genuine community spirit that prevails through the Jericho Sailing Centre and the catalyst, the lynch pin, is volunteerism. It might start with something as simple as helping a stranger rig or launch their boat, or showing a new member "the ropes" and it builds through the spectrum right up to members who volunteer regularly: it's quite contagious, because it feels good to give back to one's community. On behalf of the thousands of landlubbers who took lesson programs through our facility and the 3,000 members of the JSCA who celebrate their leisure time at the Jericho Sailing Centre- three cheers and deepest of thanks to all of our volunteers who made it possible.

Volunteer Appreciation & Racing Awards Dinner
All members of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association are invited to celebrate the awesome contribution of our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation & Racing Awards Dinner on Sunday, October 21 at 1800H. Come enjoy the spirit of the Jericho Community and see your favourite volunteers get lightly roasted as they receive awards of appreciation. We'll also be handing out the hardware to racers for their success and accomplishments of distinction on the big soggy playground. Tickets $10 available through the JSCA office.

JSCA Annual General Meeting
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 for 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. 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.

Batten Down the Hatches We're Heading Into a Patch of Rough Weather!
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 and checking their craft after gnarly windstorms. We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round, 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).

Weekly Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
Penguin Cup Racing October 21 @ 1230H

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

JSCA Office Hours
October Hours 0930H-1730H Weekdays. 0900H-1800H Weekends. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1820H 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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