There will be no regular Sunday Racing this weekend as the Jericho Sailing Centre hosts the 2009 Jericho Hobie Classic Regatta, but just to make you mon-hull racers feel better we've included this picture of the recent Jericho Classic Regatta taken by Jericho Rescue Team member Rob Murota.

 

The JSCA office set a new sales (sails?) record for safety whistles over this week after members were alerted to the importance of carrying a whistle in last week's "in the wind".  We don't sell serrated edge knives but did you know that every sailor should carry one? (the preferred knife of choice for the Jericho Rescue Team members  is the Leatherman). Come to the English Bay Safety Seminar this Monday, June 22 at 1900H and find out why.

Skippers are completely responsible for their safety and that of their crew when out on the water. If your knowledge is lacking here is your chance to fill in the gaps. The English Bay Safety Seminar is based on the "sea disasters" experienced in English Bay over the last 35 years as written in the logs of the Jericho Rescue Team. RSVP JSCA Office (604)224-4177.

 

Last week a JSCA member's young crew was almost hit by a crab trap flung from the Jericho Pier as she sailed by at what she thought was a safe distance.  While it is shocking to think that some chowderhead would actually target passing boats for sport, this is not the first time it has happened.  As the Jericho Pier is a very popular fishing location we recommend users of the Jericho Sailing Centre stay at least 50 M from the end of it.

 

There are some members who think it's ok to bring their own alcohol to the Jericho Sailing Centre - it is not.  The Jericho Sailing Centre is a city owned public facility managed by the non-profit Jericho Sailing Centre Association in co-operation with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. The only alcohol permitted by law at the Jericho Sailing Centre is served under the JSCA's license under the contracted management of the Jericho Galley Patio & Grill. From time to time the JSCA authorizes affiliated groups to serve alcohol at their social functions for their members and guests only under Special Occasion Licenses in full compliance with the law.

The purpose of alcohol accessibility at our ocean access community centre is to augment the social aspects of après sailing/paddling/rowing activity. Nothing washes the salt off of your tonsils better than an ice cold glass of golden nectar, or goes down with a Vancouver sunset better than a glass of Galley wine.  For those who are French challenged, après is after, and that is where the emphasis of intended purpose must be placed. Alcohol affects Skippers of watercraft the same way it affects drivers on the road, impairing judgment, dexterity and reflexes. But alcohol goes much further in working against the Skippers and crew of watercraft making them much more susceptible to hypothermia and sapping their strength and energy.

For those who weren't aware of this, now you are. For those who are aware but choose to ignore this, you are breaking the law, and your selfish actions could jeopardize JSCA's Liquor License, our agreement with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and undermine the overall prevailing safety attitude of the Jericho Sailing Centre community. JSCA Staff, volunteers and concerned members will be keeping an eye out for the small few who would abuse the Jericho Sailing Centre at the expense of everyone else.

Thank you to the twenty-five members have already volunteered the use of their Lasers for participants in the World Police and Fire Games August 5-7, 2009. We are still a few boats short. If you have a Laser in good condition you are willing to lend to one of these heroes please let me know.

The 2009 World Police & Fire Games is open to full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, border and customs officers and corrections guards from around the world. These emergency services athletes are coming to British Columbia to compete in the 13th World Police & Fire Games in a celebration of community, camaraderie, friendship and athletic competition.
We are looking to secure boats a few more Lasers for the sailing competition at the 2009 World Police and Fire Games. We are asking local owners of Lasers in good condition to lend us your Laser for 5 days (August 3 - 7) for the Games athletes. The 2009 WPFG Games are prepared to offer you a $200 honorarium and two complimentary tickets to the "Concert in the Park" at Burnaby's Deer Lake Park on August 3, featuring a salmon barbeque and world-renowned musical talent, for the use of your boat for the competition.

Most competitors will bring sail, rudder and lines, so we are asking you to provide the hull, centreboard and spars.  The boats need to be at Jericho Sailing Centre by Monday, August  3, and will be returned to you after sailing ends, Friday evening, August 7. There will be a qualified shipwright at the event to deal with small repairs if necessary, and will ensure your boat is clean and tidy when we return it at the end of the event.

There will be a meeting for JSCA members willing to help out with on-shore logistics to support the Laser Regatta of the World Police and Fire Games August 5-7 at the Jericho Sailing Centre. The meeting will be next Tuesday, June 23 at 1700H. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to volunteer please contact me via return email.

We are always on the lookout for photos of interest for our newsletters and website. If you have some please send them along like Lieutenant (Navy) Andrew Kerr who sent us this one of Sea Cadets involved in the Navy League of Canada Regatta held last weekend at the Jericho Sailing Centre.

 

Wednesdays are Member Special Nights in the Jericho Sailing Centre Sailor's Lounge from 1700-2200H. Come out and enjoy a weekly food special and a 16 oz Galley Patio Lager for only $10.99 + taxes.  The Galley Patio & Grill is also offering a 16 oz glass of Galley Patio Lager on its own for 4.39 + taxes.  These are substantially discounted prices, and are exclusively available to members. (No substitutions, only available in the Lounge, Member Card Required).

 

Jericho sailors Laurent and Valerie Devin are inviting your taste buds to support the Disabled Sailing Association of BC located here at the Jericho Sailing Centre. Five percent of their Bistrot Bistro Tuesday night restaurant sales in the month of June will be donated to the DSA.  For more info.  Navigate your fork over to http://www.bistrotbistro.com/index2.html and Bon Appetite!

 

Former Canadian Olympic Sailing Team Coach and MacSailing School Co-owner Dave Thomas will conduct his 3rd Annual JSCA Coaching Clinic on Tuesday, June 30. There will be a pre-race Skipper's Meeting at 1730H. First start will be 1815H. Races will be videotaped and we'll all come back to the Burrard Room for an extensive photogenic debrief and to buy the Coach beers.

 

We are looking for volunteers to help out with various work projects at the Jericho Sailing Centre including picnic table repair, painting and blackberry removal.

 

Operations Committee          June 24 @ 1900H
JSCA Board                             July13 at 1900
Safety Committee Meeting   July 20 @ 1900H