Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest to the 3,500 members of the JSCA and other users of the Jericho Sailing Centre for December/January and beyond.

The 2011  JSCA Event Calendar is now on our website 2011 Events . All of our regular programs; Sunday Racing, Tuesday Nite Racing, Rookie Racing & English Bay Safety Seminars are back along with fixture regattas: Jericho Classic, Flights of Spring Regatta, Tasar BC's and the Hobie Classic Regatta. The Jericho Sailing Centre Open House and Sailpast will take place on May 14; the Subaru International Half Iron Triathlon stops in for a quick dip on July 3; and, MEC Paddlefest fills our shore on July 10. The Jericho Sailing Centre will once again host the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association National Championships on August 13 & 14, and, possibly, the Canadian Laser Masters Championships Labour Day weekend. New events include a Stand-Up Paddling Regatta associated with the Jericho Oceanman August 6 & 7, as well as the UBC Invitational Multihull (and possibly Collegiate) Regatta September 17 & 18. Stay completely informed about events taking place at the Jericho Sailing Centre by tuning into "in the wind" for regular updates throughout the year.

The JSCA Membership Fees for 2011 have been set by your Board of Directors and are as follows:-Single $83; Family $119 and $49 Junior. Craft and equipment storage rates will increase by 4%. Invoices will be sent to current members on January 15 with fees due by April 1. Members who pay on or before February 15 will receive a 2% discount. Members who pay after April 1 will be charged a $30/month Late Fee commencing April 2. Your 2011 invoices contains a tick box option to facilitate you receiving paperless invoices in the future-please be sure to indicate your preference and also make sure that we have your correct email address.

The JSCA is proposing that upgrades to the Jericho Pier be included in the Vancouver Park Board's 2012-2014 Capital Plan. We are looking for pictures of the Jericho Pier in use that we may be able to include in our proposal. We are particularly interested in any pictures taken during the Tallship Festival in 2005.

Winter wind storms, torrential rainfall and freezing temperatures can all cause damage to improperly secured craft. If you haven't checked out your boat lately, now is a good time to clear out the cobwebs in your hay loft, saddle up, take a scenic trot to Jericho Beach and check your trusty wave steed to make sure it's still in the stable.

The compound water has been shut off for the next two months or so. When volunteers dug the trenching for our waterlines back in the 1970's they found they were limited by massive amounts of military surplus concrete and were not able to install the pipes deep enough to operate year round without freezing and breaking. The system is turned off and flushed out each season during the period when multiple days of freezing temperatures are likely. In the meantime boats and equipment may be rinsed at the hosing station on the SE corner of the building.

Faced with a waiting list of boats wanting to get in to the Jericho Sailing Centre compound the JSCA will be lowering the boom on craft which were inactive in 2010. Storage agreements for these craft expire on March 31, 2011 and will not be renewed. Owners of these craft have been sent a letter informing them that their storage expires and will not be renewed unless successfully appealed.  The JSCA Board is encouraging all members to participate in the 2011 Jericho Sailing Centre Compound Beautification Project by keeping your boat and storage space ship shape and by participating with volunteer work parties in 2011 to help clean up aisle ways and other common space areas.

December/January Hours 0930H-1630H The office will close at 1630H on December 23 and will reopen on January 2 at 0900H. 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).

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, dial *16 (alternatively you can dial the Victoria Rescue Coordination Centre at 1-800-567-5111) will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination Centre.