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.

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.

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.

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.

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

$8.00 Admission

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.