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 December 14, 2007-January 25, 2008 and beyond:

 No Derelict Craft at the Jericho Sailing Centre in 2008

Faced with a waiting list of two dozen boats wanting to get in to the Jericho Sailing Centre compound the JSCA Board has decided to lower the boom on unusable craft and craft which have been inactive for more than one year. Storage agreements for these craft expire on March 31, 2008 and will not be renewed. Owners of these craft will receive a "Notice to Vacate" in the mail at the end of January along with a photo of their craft and an explanation of an appeal process.

The JSCA Board is encouraging all members to participate in the 2008 Jericho Sailing Centre Compound Beautification Project by keeping your boat and storage space ship shape and by participating with volunteer work parties in 2008 to help clean up aisle ways and other common space areas.

 Jericho Winter Kayaking Group

The Jericho Winter Kayaking Group schedule includes the following sessions:

December 15   0900H
December 23   1900H (Moonlight Paddle)
December 29   0900H
January 1          1000H New Year's Day
January 5          0900H
January 11        1900H
January 19        0900H
January 24        1900H
(Weather may change these dates and times.)

Any interested members who are properly equipped and dressed are welcome to join in. To get on the groups e-mailing list or for more info. contact Gail Owen at gail_owen@jsca.bc.ca  The group prides itself in sharing and practicing safe paddling procedures.

JSCA's Developing Action Plan for 2008
More Committee meetings are on the schedule in the further development of the JSCA's Annual Action Plan for 2008. The meetings are open and all members are invited to participate in the management of our unique ocean access facility.

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Next Meeting January 21 @ 1900H)
The agenda will include the new flooring project to replace the vinyl tiles on the second floor. Discussion will also continue around the 2008 Jericho Sailing Centre Compound Development plan and the process for dealing with inactive craft.

PROGRAMMES COMMITTEE (Next Meeting January 29 @ 1900H)
The agenda will include website development and the JSCA's 2008 Vancouver Boat Show display.

PLANNING COMMITTEE (Next Meeting January 30 @ 1900H)
The agenda will include JSCA's Compound Development Plan as well as discussion on the future of the Marginal Wharf.

SAFETY COMMITTEE (Next Meeting February 9 @ 1000H)
The agenda will include purchasing of new Jericho Rescue Team equipment and annual refit on JSCA's craft. This meeting will be held at the BC Place Stadium during the Vancouver Boat Show-please RSVP your attendance to arrange for entry.

All JSCA Board and Committee minutes and meeting schedules can be found on our website at www.jsca.bc.ca to facilitate member awareness and involvement in their world class, one of a kind, ocean access community centre.

New Year's Day at the JSCA
If the weather is right, the Jericho Sailing Centre can be a busy place on New Year's Day. The Galley Patio and Grill will be open and many members choose to spend their first day in any given year at their favourite summer place.

JSCA Office Hours
December/January Hours 0930H-1630H Weekdays. 0900H-1700H Weekends. The office will close at 1400H on Christmas Eve day, December 24 and will reopen on January 2 at 0930H. Staff will be onsite throughout this period to check for messages and ensure security of our facility. Gates open at 0700H and are locked at Dusk. (approx. 1615H).

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