Jericho Sailing Centre "in the wind" October 25, 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 25-November 1, 2007 and beyond:

UBC WINDSURFING Board Swap
The UBC Sailing Club is holding a Board Swap in the hanger of the Jericho Sailing Centre this Saturday, October 27 at 1100H. This is your opportunity to bail on old equipment or purchase some pre-surfed gear at a good bargoon. For more info shred over to windsurfingsales@ubcsailing.org

BONUS Penguin Cup Race THIS SUNDAY
JSCA Programmes Chair, Andy Hunt, has scheduled a bonus Penguin Cup Race for this Sunday, October 28 at 1230H. This race was made possible when last Sunday six of our die hard, well weathered Laser racers came out to last Sunday's Penguin Cup in the snottiest of Vancouver autumn monsoon conditions and had a splashing good time. This will definitely be the LAST race of the 2007 season-right Andy? Complete scoring results for the 2007 race season can be found on the Racing section of our website.

Interest in a Winter Kayakers Group?
Shiver me timbers, we see more and more members paddling their 'yaks throughout the winter each year-many times solo. When I talk to individuals they say that it's hard to meet other people interested in paddling in the winter. It seems to me there are enough people doing it, you just need a way to hook up. There is no safety substitute for the buddy system out there on the water at this time of year. If you are interested in connecting with other Jericho paddlers please reply by email and I'll facilitate you getting together.

JSCA Annual General Meeting Report
Eighty-four members turned out to the Jericho Sailing Centre Association's Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 23. Our President, Brian Key and committee chairs reported on the challenges faced by our organization and our accomplishments over the past year along with plans for the future. A summary of 2007 Board and Committee reports can be found on our website.

JSCA members elected Norm Eldridge, Mina Fung, Brian Key, Philip McILvenna, Tony Martin, Gail Owen, Richard Spencer and Dan Wallace to a two year term on the board. Graham McGlashan was elected to a one year term. The first meeting of the new board will be on Tuesday, November 13 at 1900H and, of course, all members are welcome to attend. The Board will elect the President, Vice-president, Treasurer and Executive Secretary for 2007/2008 at this meeting. Interim Committee Chairs will also be selected and committee meeting dates will be set.

This first forming meeting of the board usually includes a review of JSCA's 5 Year Strategic Plan and plenty of brainstorming with respect to the development of the JSCA's Annual Action Plan-between now and this meeting is a great time for members to provide ideas, input and feedback - email us and let us know what you think.

2007 Volunteer of the Year
Sixty members attended the Annual JSCA Volunteer Appreciation and Racing Awards Dinner last Sunday. Many thanks were heaped on all of our volunteers and in particular our 2007 Volunteer of the Year: Fred Wu. Fred has volunteered in many areas for the JSCA particularly with the Jericho Rescue Team along with boat and facility maintenance-thank you Fred! Fred was the Jericho Rescue Team member who pulled 5 people from the water on July 10 after their powerboat sank 2 kilometres north of the Centre.

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).

Rick Leonhard
Long time JSCA member, volunteer & avid multi-hull sailor Rick Leonard passed away suddenly October 6 from undiagnosed cancer. Rick left has mark on the Jericho Sailing Centre-his airbrush artwork of sailing dinghy logos hangs over the fireplace in our Sailor's Lounge. As well, an airbrushed replica of the JSCA burgee hangs proudly in our office. There will be no service but all you multi-hullers can remember Rick the next time your windward hull breaks free from the surface tension of the sea. Bon voyage sailor.

Weekly Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
Penguin Cup Racing October 28 @ 1230H

Upcoming JSCA Meetings:
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. 1800H 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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