Jericho Sailing Centre AssociationJuly 27, 2011
 

in

the
 
wind

Ahoy Ocean Lovers: 
 

Here is what's "in the wind", coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Access Community Centre, for July 28-35, 2011 and beyond:

In This Issue
SAFETY NOTICE
Wharf Demolition
Jericho Oceanman
SUP Race!

"Be Sea" Day, Monday

There is something distinct about life on the left coast of Canada in this province of British Columbia that easily inspires people to follow their noses along the salt scented Pacific air pathway to mess around in boats down at the liquidly source of all life- it is our very essence.


 
It's not something that started in this generation or the last, or even in the time since British Columbia first boarded the good ship Canada in 1871. As long as people have lived near these sand swept, rock reinforced Pacific Ocean shorelines they have felt an intimate connection with the sea and nowhere is this more apparent today than at the Jericho Sailing Centre.

 

From the relatively landlocked hub bubs of Toronto, Montreal and other Canadian population centers it's hard for non-Pacific inhabitants of our country to imagine we British Columbia "Coasters" without sandals, surf shorts, super shades, sunscreen, sun tanned skin and hair blowing in the wind, well bent on a good time at the beach. (Perhaps the leading catalyst for Easterners who jump ship west). On BC Day the beach is where many of us will "be".

 

If the weather turns out as long range advertised for our provincial holiday ( and for the real Jericho junkies even if it doesn't), the waves of English Bay will be streaked with the wakes of a thousand tiny ship trips launched from Jericho Beach out of Vancouver's low  cost ocean access community centre. The kayak, rowboat, sailing dinghy, windsurfer, stand-up paddleboard, skim board, naturally powered craft you command could be among the flotilla.


This Monday make plans to exercise your "Be Sea" essence. Live it up to the beat of the provincial motto "Splendor without Diminishment", throw on your surf shorts and sandals, slap on some sunscreen and your shades, turn your back to the east and come celebrate BC Day at the Jericho Sailing Centre.

Celebration of Lights - THIS SATURDAY

The first of the annual Celebration of Light fireworks shows takes place this Saturday over English Bay. If fireworks turn you on, "Celebration" is a perfect accent to three Vancouver mid-summer night eves right in the sweet spot of summer. The fireworks are best viewed from English Bay Beach. Kits Beach offers a next best view with Jericho accommodating the cheap seats - distant view but easier parking and disembarking when the show ends (also smoke free). Seating at the Jericho Patio and Grill is tough to find after 2030H. The rooftop deck will be open to members & their accompanying guests (60 maximum) with security in place to enforce no alcohol or smoking. The show dates are July 30, August 3 & 6. Start time 2200H.

Safety Notice - Extreme Danger on Fireworks Nights

One of the most dangerous situations for operators of small water craft in Vancouver occurs at the conclusion of each Celebration of Light fireworks show. Hundreds of powerboats are hastily heading for home in all different directions and the sea surface is filled with crossing boat chop on waves. Lights from boats and downtown reflect everywhere and a kayak, canoe, rowboat or other small vessel is almost impossible to see, even if the Skipper hasn't been drinking, and in some cases, he has.
 

The Jericho Sailing Centre Association, in the strongest possible way, advises our members and other small, naturally powered craft to not put themselves in this vulnerable position. If you choose to be out there, please remember that the Coast Guard will have their hands full and may not even be able to locate your craft within the boating frenzy if you need them. Also remember, that you the Skipper, as always, are solely responsible for your safety and that of your crew.

Jericho Wharf Demolition

Demolition of the former Department of National Defence concrete apron known as the Jericho Wharf  is scheduled to commence on August 2. The project will take place over the next two months with all work taking place Mondays through Fridays from 0730-1630H. During demolition periods there will be significant heavy truck and machinery traffic through the parking lot adjacent to the Jericho Sailing Centre. Destruction noise and dust will also be a regular feature.

The project will start with set-up of the blue fence perimeter, construction office and site prep. Removal of the lead painted iron railings will be next. The concrete deck will be cut and peeled off followed by the wooden support deck structure. The last stage will be removal of approximately 400 creosote soaked pilings.

Piling removal involves a Vibrohammer, a machine which clamps onto the top of the piling and vibrates it loose from the sea bed.

Environmental protection will include potential spill containment booms and sediment curtains. A safety boom will surround the water side to ensure no errant watercraft or swimmers enter the project zone.

Send Us Your Photos 

 

In case you were curious, this is what the Jericho Sailing Centre looked like at 0530H last Sunday morning as Jericho Rescue Team Members Nigel Cornwall and Mark Daigle (onboard below with Vancouver Lifeguard Ben Tetementie) launched "Jericho Rescue". Jericho Rescue was the primary safety boat for the 80th annual Bay Challenge starting at Sandy Cove on the North Shore hosted by the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association. The Jericho Rescue Team will also be supporting VOWSA's Kitsilano Swim on August 6.

 

 

 

 

 

Jericho Oceanman August 6

The annual Jericho Oceanman competition takes place on Saturday, August 6. For details and to register surf over to www.oceanman.ca  . 

Vancouver SUP Race August 7

The first annual Vancouver SUP Race takes place at the Jericho Sailing Centre on Sunday, August 7 starting at Noon. For detailed info. and to register click on  Vancouver SUP  .

Register Now

Weatherproof Summer Youth Camps 

@ Jericho Sailing Centre

 

  

 

 

Send your kid to camp

on the sea rain or shine!

 

                                                                                                                     

Dinghy Sailing        (604) 224-7245                                                

 

 http://www.macsailing.com/ 

 

Windsurfing, SUP, Skimboarding   (604) 224-0615             http://www.windsure.com/

 Ocean Kayaking               (604) 689-7575  

http://www.ecomarine.com/

 

 

SUP & PFD's

The Canadian Coast Guard and Vancouver Police Department have asked us to remind Stand Up Paddling users of Jericho Beach that PFD's are required by law on SUP's and every craft launched out of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

PFD                                         $50

No PFD Fine                            $200

Your safety on the water:       $Priceless

Find us on FACEBOOK
Are you a landlocked "Jericho Junkie" in need of your latest sea level fix? Find us on Facebook.
Jericho H2O Wear - Now Available in the JSCA Office

 

Jericho Sailing Centre staff Tristan and Lorena model the latest in Jericho Beach fashion, sporting the Jericho Sailing Centre's new H2O logo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on fashion, arrive at the beach in style sporting your Jericho Sailing Centre colours. Shirts (available in cotton & wickwear, short and longsleeve), hats & lanyards. 

Jericho Folk Club Tuesdays in the Surf & Turf

 

Tuesday evenings from from now through September 27 are Jericho Folk Club Nights in the Surf & Turf room of the Jericho Sailing Centre. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy Celtic, singer songwriter, sea shanties, and traditional music.

 

7:30pm Jam Session    8:00pm Open Stage   9:20pm Feature Performer                                

$8.00 Admission

                                  

Jericho Sailing Centre Etiquette

Common sense and consideration of fellow members help make the Jericho Sailing Centre a true community centre with a friendly salt water community atmosphere. Here are a few etiquette reminders to keep things sailing along smoothly:

 

  • Do not leave your craft unattended on the shoreline for extended periods - share the shore.                          
  • the areas adjacent to launching ramps are for craft launch/retrieval only. Do not rig, repair or otherwise loiter in this area
  • The Jericho Sailing Centre is a SMOKE FREE facility. There is No Smoking permitted in any Vancouver Park or beach area..
  • Give pathway users the right of way and bear in mind they may be distracted and not aware that you are crossing the pathway with your craft or launch rope.
  • launch dollies are for launching/retrieval only (not for storage) and must be returned to the fence immediately after use.
  • if you launch from your own dolly or trailer return it to your storage spot after launching.
  • do not use the winches unless you are familiar with their safe operation. Winch instruction is available from staff or Jericho Rescue Team members. Only members or registered guests may use winches & dollies.
  • only leashed, well behaved dogs are allowed in the compound, no dogs are allowed in the building or on the deck. Do not tie dogs to the base of stairwells or in other traffic areas. Do not leave your dog onshore while you are on the water. The City prohibits dogs on beaches. In consideration of other Jericho users please consider leaving your dog at home while visiting the Jericho Sailing Centre.
  • Please coil hoses immediately after use and conserve water.
  • Do not block aisle ways.
  • Rinse racks are for rinsing not drying.

 

Danger! Boat Crossing

Over a busy weekend thousands of people stroll the beach path past the Jericho Sailing Centre. Many are focused on all of the on water activity and are not looking for people, boats and equipment suddenly emerging from our chain link compound. Please be extra aware and cautious of lollygagging landlubbers on the beach path as you exit the gates with your equipment.

Your Safety is Your Responsibility
There are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Regardless of how you decide to use the ocean always show courtesy to others. Please adhere to the code listed below and share with others the responsibility for a safe ocean experience.
 
It is every member's responsibility to know and observe the rules of the road when on or near the water. Here are some key rules which every Jericho member must know and practice.
 
1. Always wear your P.F.D. on the water.
2. Sail powered craft have the right of way over power craft, paddle and rowing powered craft.
3. All non-commercial vessels shall keep well clear of commercial vessels.
4. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to pass between a tug and it's tow.
5. A port tack sailing vessel shall keep clear of a starboard tack vessel.
6. A windward vessel shall keep clear of a leeward vessel.
7. A vessel clear astern shall keep clear of a vessel ahead.
8. Any vessel overtaking another shall keep clear.
9. A vessel tacking or gybing shall keep clear of a vessel on a tack.
10.The area south of the orange can buoys is for training or transiting only.
11.Swimming or wading on the beach in front of the Centre is prohibited and is particularly dangerous for small children.
12.It is unsafe to loiter or let children play near the bottom of launching ramps.
13. Stay well clear of the end of the Jericho Pier as fishers cast lines as far as possible
14. Be cautious of pathway traffic when launching/retrieving
15. Do not leave your craft on the shoreline for extended periods of time
Common sense goes a long way toward maintaining a safe environment. Membership in the Jericho Sailing Centre Association is contingent on members knowing and observing the Safe Ocean Sailing rules.

Links to previous issues