In the Wind November 23, 2007

Jericho Sailing Centre

in the wind

Jericho Sailing Centre "in the wind" November 23, 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 November 23-30, 2007 and beyond:

Icebreakers
There are many boats in the Jericho Sailing Centre compound which have filled with water over the recent monsoon season. As the temperatures drop, this water turns to ice which expands and can cause serious damage to your boat. You may not discover it until the spring when you are out on the water springing a leak. Please make a point of checking your boat regularly- break the ice before it breaks your boat.

Jericho Winter Kayaking Group
Any interested members who are properly equipped and dressed are

welcome to saddle up and paddle with the Jericho Winter Kayaking Group. To get onto the groups emailing list or for more info. contact Gail Owen at gail_owen@jsca.bc.ca
Full moon paddle Friday Nov 23 @ 6:30 pm for 2 hours (please rsvp with Gail for this one)
Saturday Dec 1 @ 9:00 am for 2 hours
(Weather permitting.)
The group prides itself in sharing and practicing safe paddling procedures.

Director Resignation
The Board is inviting interested JSCA members to submit a letter of interest to fill a vacant position. The nomination deadline is December 10, 2007 at 1630H. Nominees are asked to attend the December 11 JSCA Board meeting at 1900H. If you would like more information please contact me via reply email or by phone at 224-4177.

Annual JSCA Fleet Planning Meeting - Tuesday, November 27 @ 1900H
Racers, whatever your class, this is the meeting where we lay out the first draft of the 2008 JSCA Competitive Event Schedule. If you have an idea for an event, come to this meeting, share your ideas and help us plan while there is room on the schedule. In 2007 the Jericho Sailing Centre hosted 90 on water event days, we're likely to do more in 2008, the time to plan is now.

JSCA Safety Committee Meeting Monday, November 26 @ 1900H

JSCA Office Hours
November Hours
0930H-1630H Weekdays.
0900H-1700H Weekends - staff may be working elsewhere in the building or compound and may not necessarily be in the office - directions will be left on the office door.
Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1630H).

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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