Jericho Sailing Centre Association

January 16, 2014

in the wind

Ahoy Vancouver Ocean Lovers:

Here is what's "in the wind"; coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver's Ocean Community Centre, for January 16, 2014 and beyond:

In This Issue

Vancouver Boat Show

SOS Kits Station Update

2014 Event Schedule

WINTER LAUNCH LOG

Safety Your Responsibility

Join our Mailing List!

1974-2014 Jericho Sailing Centre turns 40

In 1974 the former Jericho Beach Air Station Marine and Stores Building had long been abandoned and had an impending appointment with a wrecking ball. Although the building was hard to get to from the land side; through an armed guard station and other barb wire remnants of the closing military base; it was unofficially adopted by a passionate crew of dinghy sailors, including members of the UBC and Viking Sailing Clubs, who had a dream for a low cost, highly accessible, non-taxpayer funded community centre dedicated to ocean recreation for small, naturally powered craft. When the ominous wrecking ball confronted unrealized dreams the sailors took their idea to the City of Vancouver who agreed to a tentative one year agreement to see how such an entity might serve the needs of citizens in the newly created Jericho Beach Park. The Jericho Sailing Centre has been the park's "anchor tenant" ever since.

In '74 every window was broken, the roof leaked, there were no washrooms, showers, running water or electricity; the only power came from people with passion who had a shared vision. Volunteers dug trenches for waterlines, fixed windows; built: ramps, storage racks, washrooms, clubrooms, and removed metal and piling remnants from the beach. Four decades of consistently passionate evolution have created the world class ocean recreation facility enjoyed today by many in this city named after a prominent seafarer.

Since our humble beginnings, when we served just a few hundred people, the population of Vancouver has more than doubled and demand for naturally powered ocean recreation programs, services and facilities has increased exponentially. In 2013 more than 20,000 people from throughout the city and Metro Vancouver area, from all walks of life, from all of life's circumstances, launched from the Jericho Sailing Centre and experienced Vancouver's marine environment first hand.

Throughout this year the Jericho Sailing Centre Association welcomes all Vancouverites to climb on board and join us in the celebration of our city's distinctive marine environment, seaside heritage and the unique recreational opportunities available through the Jericho Sailing Centre; Vancouver's, Ocean Community Centre.

SOS 40th Anniversary Season Opening Sailpast & Open House May 10

40th Anniversary Logo Design Contest

Behold the very first entry in the freshly launched JSCA 40th Anniversary Logo Design Contest. We are looking for a design to be used for promotion that reflects the Jericho Sailing Centre, our ocean recreation activities, and/or our distinctively Vancouver setting. The winning entry will receive SUP lessons, dinner for 2 at the Galley Patio & Grill and the admiration of fellow members. Entries will be received up until February 15 with the winner announced by Feb. 28. All entries become property of the JSCA.

2014 JSCA Invoices Have been Sent

By now you should have received your email invoice for 2014 JSCA Membership and Storage(about 200 members opting for regular mail should receive theirs by next week). The invoices are not due until April 1, however, you will receive a 2% discount if you pay before February 15.

For your convenience Visa or MasterCard payments can be made over the phone (604)224-4566. If you haven't received your email invoice please contact the office asap.

If you are not planning to renew with us in 2014 please notify the office when you vacate (prior to March 31) so that we may assign your space to another member.

If you sell your craft and wish to transfer your space to the new owner you must inform the office in writing.

Vancouver International Boat Show January 22-26

The 2014 Vancouver International Boat Show provides opportunities to explore hundreds of boats, boating accessories, products and services from top boating exhibitors. For more information, paddle over to: http://www.vancouverboatshow.ca/

Jericho Sailing Centre Booth - Crew Call

We still have several openings for JSCA members to help crew the Jericho Sailing Centre Association's display booth at the Vancouver International Boat Show January 22-26 in BC Place Stadium. Members who volunteer for a two hour "watch" will gain free admission to the show and the admiration of thousands of show going seafarers from all over. A great place to meet people and shoot the breeze about the Jericho Sailing Centre and all of the low cost ocean access opportunities we provide. The following berths are available; please email us if you'd like to sign on:

Wednesday, January 22:

1300-1500H; 1500-1700H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H.

Thursday, January 23:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1600-1900H.

Friday, January 24:

1100-1300H; 1500-1700H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H.

Saturday, January 25:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1400-1600H; 1600-1800H; 1800-2100H.

Sunday, January 26:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1400-1700H.

Jericho booth crew must enter BC Place Stadium through the Exhibitors Entrance on the east side to get their pass (picture ID required) on their scheduled day. It is suggested that crew members take public transit to the show as parking costs an arm and a leg and JSCA does not cover any expenses.

Pacific North West ORCA Outrigger Race January 25

The first official on water event of 2014 kicks off from the Jericho Sailing Centre on Saturday, January 25 at 1000H as the Jericho Outrigger Canoe Club hosts the Vancouver leg of the Pacific North West ORCA (Outrigger Racing Canoe Association) series. The race is a mass start in single and double outrigger canoes from the Sailing Centre. Race course will be determined race day depending on tide, wind and weather conditions. Estimated distance: 10k.

SOS Kitsilano Coast Guard Station Update

While some may think we're flogging a dead seahorse here, the JSCA is calling for a review of the decision to close the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station. With a Federal election on the horizon and MPs from both major opposition parties indicating they will reopen the station if elected, we'd like to invite local Federal Conservative MPs to join us in encouraging the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to take another look at the closure of Canada's busiest Coast Guard Station. Here is a brief review of what transpired in 2013:

Kitsilano Coast Guard Station 2013 Review

January 19, 2013-Citizens and political representatives from every level pack the Jericho Sailing Centre for a public meeting to express grave concern for the impending closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.

February 8-Prime Minister Stephen Harper visits Vancouver and claims that the closure is about moving resources away from back offices and onto the water where they are needed. (The Kits Station was staffed by 12 front line rescue personnel with NO office staff.)

February 7-11-Visitors to the Vancouver Boat Show send more than 3,000 JSCA generated form letters to Steven Harper objecting to the proposed closure.

February 19-Without even notifying the City or others in Vancouver's Marine Safety Network the station is closed.

February 20-The JSCA sends an appeal letter to PM Harper attempting to correct his misperception that the closure moved resources away from back offices.

March 25-The Prime Minister's office replies to JSCA's letter referring the matter to then Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Keith Ashfield.

April 11-A container ship at anchor, dead centre in English Bay, within sight of the shuttered station makes a Priority 1 Marine Distress Call to the Canadian Coast Guard. Seven weeks earlier crew from Kits could have been on scene in 5 minutes. The hovercraft from Sea Island takes 30 minutes. The First Mate of the Osakana becomes the first related fatality. The following week, the seasonal station on Deadman Island is hastily opened 5 weeks earlier than anticipated.

May 7-The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans responds to JSCA's letter to the PM with the same form letter he had sent in reply to an earlier letter written directly to him.

May-JSCA generated form letters sent to Stephen Harper objecting to the closure surpass 5,000.

May 29-The Vancouver Sun reports that a Freedom of Information Request confirms that Canada's busiest Coast Guard Station was closed without any report or stand alone risk analysis supporting the closure.

July 15-Stephen Harper appoints Gail Shea as the new Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

August-JSCA generated form letters sent to Stephen Harper objecting to the closure surpass 6,000.

November 2013 - NDP Fisheries Critic Fin Donnelly questions the Fisheries Commissioner in Parliamentary Committee about the budget effect of dramatically increased hovercraft operation in Vancouver Harbour due to the closure. Less than 10 months after the closure the Commissioner insisted that the net savings still stand at $700,000 a year.

More info in the next edition of "in the wind"

2014 Jericho Sailing Centre Event Schedule

The 2014 event schedule is now up onour website Google Calendar at:

http://jsca.bc.ca/events2/google-events-calendar/

Winter Launch Log

Members who launch from the Jericho Sailing Centre at this time of year are encouraged to stop in at the Jericho office and fill out the Winter Launch Log which outlines your float plan to let people here know you are out there.

January Service Hours @ Jericho

The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill will be open 0900H-Sunset on weekends, weather permitting, commencing January 18 2014.

The JSCA Office will be open everyday 0930-1700H through January.

Members are encouraged to sign in the Winter Launch Log during office hours prior to launching.

Ocean Schools @ Jericho Sailing Centre

Jericho Sailing Centre school programs commence in April. Dinghy Sailing, windsurfing, ocean kayaking and SUP

lesson, rental and season pass gift certificates are available through Jericho Sailing Centre's affiliated schools:

http://jsca.bc.ca/schools/

Cold Water Recreation

There are many people, particularly Stand Up Paddlers, launching from Jericho Beach these days who are new to cold water ocean recreation. Here are some things they must know about:

Appropriate Attire - Dress for Cold Water Immersion

The water temperature is well below the level where it is safe to recreate without a proper (no shorties) wetsuit or drysuit. People who get into serious trouble at this time of year have often made the mistake of dressing for the air temperature not the water temperature, which is fine until something goes wrong and they suddenly find themselves immersed in the water.

Use Your Head

Significant heat loss is through your head. When you consider that hypothermia is the most significant danger experienced ocean recreationalists face and a neoprene cowling cost $15 at MEC, you don't need a calculator to do the math. A wool toque or hat will also work quite well.

Always Stay with Your Craft

When a sailing dinghy, windsurfer or kayak capsizes they are usually within a couple of swim strokes of their crew. Some craft, particularly SUP's and surf skis, require a safety leash (in good condition and properly attached) as they can easily get away in a capsize situation. Never leave your craft in an emergency situation as it is far easier to spot than a person in the water.

Use the Buddy System

Always sail, paddle, row with someone else, especially in cold water conditions. Let a reliable friend or relative know when and where you are going and when you expect to return. Diligently contact them upon your safe return. If you are launching from Jericho Beach stop in at the JSCA office to let us know when and where you are going and when you expect to return.

Be Aware of Sunset

Recently, JSCA staff have witnessed people launching within a few minutes of sunset. This is a dangerous practice. If something goes wrong for you: equipment failure; changing conditions; fatigue, etc., you are very difficult to find in the dark. Make sure your safety float plan includes plenty of time to get off of the water before sunset.

Here is a link provided by our member Stefan from UBC of his favourite cold water education site:

http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/

Batten Down the Hatches! More Pacific Storms Heading Our Way

Every "off season" vicious wind storms rip through the Jericho Sailing Centre compound looking for loose tarps, boat covers and poorly stowed gear. When they find a loose tarp they can turn a docile hibernating boat into a flying projectile which can cause damage to neighbouring craft. Members are responsible for ensuring they have "battened down the hatches" on their equipment stored at the Jericho Sailing Centre. If your boat causes damage to neighbouring craft you can be held liable. We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round (particularly before & after gnarly windstorms), remove any parts or equipment that can be easily removed (most thefts occur between Oct.-April) and make sure water doesn't collect inside your hull (if it freezes and expands it can cause major damage).

(Long-time Jericho Hobie sailor Clayton Sprung has asked us to remind all cat sailors that removing your tramp for the winter is not only prudent preventative maintenance - your tramp will last much longer - but a boat without the tramp installed will provide less wind resistance in the face of a tempest.)

Jericho Sailing Centre Etiquette

Common sense and consideration of fellow members and other users 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:

No Alcohol is permitted within the Jericho Sailing Centre other than that served by the Jericho Galley Patio & Grill or by a duly authorized affiliated club with a Special Occasion Permit. At no time is alcohol permitted outside of a licensed area.
Do not leave your craft unattended on the shoreline for extended periods - share the shore.

RAMPS, and the areas adjacent to launching ramps, are for craft launch/retrieval only. Do not rig, repair or otherwise loiter in this area.
Do not leave or rig your craft in the rinsing areas adjacent to hosing stations.
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 dollys 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 leave dollys on the beach.
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.
Swimming is prohibited in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

SAFETY is Your Responsibility

On the ocean 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.

0.5 IT IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID A COLLISION

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.