Jericho Sailing Centre Association

April 10, 2015

                                 
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 April 10, 2015 and beyond:
  
In This Issue
Join our Mailing List!

Spanish Bank & Jericho

Dodge Bullet That Grazes Other Vancouver Beaches

Call it a warning shot across our bows. Yesterday's woefully impotent Federal response to a relatively minor fuel spill from a ship anchored in English Bay was a bleak preview of how safe Vancouver's treasured beaches are going forward under the continued protection of Stephen Harper's Conservative government. Ranking BC Conservative MP James Moore was once again

According to retired former Kitsilano Coast Guard Station Commander, Fred Moxey, this CCG environmental response vessel formerly stationed at Kits is sitting unused at the Sea Island Hovercraft Base.

quick to defend his government's decision to close the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station in 2013 saying it would not have made a difference, yet the station's all weather cutter was equipped with spill containment booms and an environmental response vessel stationed there appears to have been just the right craft to keep this spill contained and off of our beaches-a necessary feature when recreation and industry share the same busy waterspace. The hovercraft meant to replace Kits Station is useless as an oil response vessel and can't go anywhere close; sort of like when the poop hits the fan. Mr. Moore still doesn't get it and today his competition, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau announced that, if elected, his party will reopen the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station. The ball's in your court, Mr. Moore; we treasure our marine environment.

 

Since the spill was first publicised yesterday morning the JSCA has been monitoring the ocean and shoreline in the vicinity of Jericho and Spanish Bank. Though we can easily see the source ship, approximately 3km north of the Jericho Sailing Centre, ocean currents have thankfully spared us from the same fate as our adjoining waters off Kitsilano & English Bay Beaches to the east as well as Ambleside and Dundarave to the north. Spill response crews are still working to clean-up the remnants of the spill off of the North Shore toward the Sandy Cove area. We do not expect this spill to affect ocean recreation activities for the users of the Jericho Sailing Centre and will continue to monitor the ocean and shoreline in this area and up Spanish Bank. We ask our users to remain vigilant for signs of the slick while on the water and remind them not to touch this toxic substance. Further to this, we recommend you confine your ocean activity to the SW quadrant of the inlet for the next couple of days and stay at least 2 ship lengths away from the Marathassa, 3 km directly north of Jericho.

 

Anyone interested in helping with shoreline clean-up in English Bay is encouraged to contact the City's volunteer line at (604)873-7000.

 

Jericho Beach - Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup: April 18 @ 1100H

Sign Up With Jericho Sailing Centre Affiliated Clubs

 One of the best ways to enjoy recreational ocean access on Vancouver's largest playground is to join one of the community based clubs based out of the Jericho Sailing Centre. These low cost, not for profit, volunteer driven organizations provide a wide variety of boat access and training programs for dinghy sailing, paddling, windsurfing, SUP and rowing programs as well as social opportunities. Clubs looking for new crew include:

 

 

 

 

ClubLocarno - http://www.clublocarno.com/

 

UBC Sailing Club- http://register.ubcsailing.org/

 

Viking Sailing Club - http://www.vikingsailingclub.bc.ca/join-our-club/

 

Jericho Paddling Club- http://www.jerichooutrigger.com/membership.html

 

Discovery Sailing Club - http://discoverysailing.org/

 

For more info. on all JSCA Affiliated Clubs surf over to http://jsca.bc.ca/clubs-2/

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/

 

 

 

 

 

Penguin Cup Racing @ Jericho this Sunday

The Penguin Cup Racing Series concludes this Sunday April 12 commencing at 1230H.

The first open sailing regatta of the season is the annual Flights of Spring Regatta April 18 & 19.

Jericho Sailing Centre's weekly racing series commence with the first Sunday Race on May 3 @ 1230H followed by the first Tuesday Nite Race on May 5 @ 1815H.

Racers are reminded that all competitors must be properly dressed for cold water conditions and that early season racing is not necessarily recommended for inexperienced sailors. Anyone interested in learning to race is encouraged to sign up for the Rookie Racing Seminar on June 28 @ 0930H.

For a complete event schedule barge over to: http://jsca.bc.ca/events2/google-events-calendar/

To register from racing go to http://jracing.org/

 

Pay Parking Now in Effect - Season Passes Available thru Easypark

To apply for a parking pass

A pass for the season (April 1 - September 30) is $83

Go to www.easypark.ca

Select seasonal/annual parking

Select Apply for a season pass

Lot Number = #69 Jericho

Requested Start Date: April 1, 2015

Category of parking = season pass

Select number of stalls required

Fill out the form and send. You can pay online with a credit card.

Easy Park will mail the pass to you or you can pick it up at their office.

 

Your other option is to go to the Easy Park office at 209 - 700 West Pender Street.   They will issue your parking pass while you wait. Parking passes are not available through the Jericho Sailing Centre office.

2015 Jericho Sailing Centre Event Schedule

The 2015 JSCA 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. 

March Service Hours @ Jericho

The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill is open 0900H-Sunset on weekends, weather permitting.

 

 

The JSCA Office will be open everyday 0930-1900H through March. 

 

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

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:
 

Baby Your Boat - Season Opener PROMO from ATD Composites

Give your loved one a 'new' boat for as little $199!  We do "Extreme BOAT MAKEOVERS," and guaranteed REPAIRS please visit our website for Before and After photos! http://atdcomposites.com/

 

Contact us for a free estimate at (604)355-0559,  or manager@atdcomposites.com.

 

Because we are insured, registered and WorksafeBC (worker's comp) compliant not only are you are protected from liability, but we can also offer our guaranteed repairs/restorals on boats at any marina. 

 

 

 
Thank you and see you around the sailing centre.
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.
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