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Jericho Sailing Centre Association |
November 13, 2015
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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 November 13, 2015 and beyond: |
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Annual Royal Visit Impending
Jericho Sailing Centre Sinks In Stormy King Tides
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In the winter of 1894 a powerful Pacific storm bearing westerly winds merged with a massive Salish Sea King tide and produced a devastating, wave scouring, flood that wiped out a local pioneer of Vancouver recreation on this site, the Jericho Golf & Country Club. In less time than it would take to play a round of golf, 18 holes were vigorously washed down nature's drain.
More recently we've become increasingly aware of King Tides, the highest of annual tides, caused by the closest proximity of the earth to the sun which occurs during this time of year. A Pacific Ocean storm surge can cause local water levels to rise as much as 2 feet, not normally a problem, until you pair it with the ripest of King Tides. It is reasonably rare that the peak period of a King Tide perfectly aligns with the required duration and intensity sweet spot of a Pacific storm, but over the past few years it seems to have happened with more flood-forming frequency.
The latest benchmark December 2012 King Tide & westerly Pacific storm combo teamed up with a broken log boom to batter and splinter the Jericho Pier leaving it severely bruised, beaten and unusable for 6 months-suddenly people began to take notice. King is a thing, and maybe there is something to this climate change, rising sea levels, "other thing".
On November 28, 2014 a less Kingly tide (15.6ft) united in anger with a strong westerly wind, again transporting surf logs, Trident's favourite battering rams, into the hapless Jericho Pier. This time the damage was not as serious and although it had to be closed for deck repairs it was reopened within in a few days, much to the enjoyment of Vancouver ocean lovers. For a brief spell, during the climax of last November's surge, the north fringe of the Jericho Sailing Centre became one with the sea. (See photos).
In early December, 2014, King Tides combined with 2 powerful storms on consecutive days hitting the Lower Mainland with SE winds and an ocean of rain (an ingredient not normally included in westerly winds). The effects were destructive in Boundary Bay; the landing zone for waves driven across the full fetch of the Puget Sound. At Jericho, as with any southerly/easterly wind, the sea surface was relatively benign, but it did quietly creep within the north fence of the Jericho Sailing Centre for a short visit and filled the very NW corner of the compound, floating some Viking Sailing Club boats.
Ocean levels worldwide are rising, so climate change and flooding in the area of Jericho, Locarno and Spanish bank has been on the City of Vancouver's radar for a while now: thousands of sandbags placed in the area this week is evidence they are well aware and ready to take action. The Jericho flood model shown above is an extreme example, significantly beyond the land mark flood of December 2012 or anything we've seen in the last quarter century, but it is something that is being considered in the planning to help keep our heads above the water in the future. As an oceanic educational facility we can easily recognize and appreciate that heeding a lesson from our maritime past can help us avoid repeating the historic Jericho recreational facility experience of, sinking like a putt.
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NEW DATE
Volunteer Sandbagger Work Party Rescheduled to Nov. 21
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There are 13 days between November 27 and December 29 where King Tides will be equal to or greater than the 15.6' one which aligned with a storm surge to create the flooding in this 2014 photo. The odds of a storm surge perfectly aligning with the peak of a King Tide are reasonably rare but Jericho will be prepared in case they do.
We are having a volunteer work party Saturday, November 21* at Noon to fill and strategically place sandbags in advance of winter King Tides and potential storm surges. All members welcome!
*This replaces the previously scheduled Nov. 28 work party.
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Storm Season: Batten Down the Hatches!
| 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).
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Join the Crew!
JSCA Committee Season ***date change included
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JSCA members are encouraged to participate on the committees to help us ensure that the JSCA best serves the needs of all members. If you are unable to personally attend but have some ideas you'd like to see happen please email me and I will take them to the appropriate committee meeting. The following is a list of JSCA standing committees and a summary of their functions:
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Next Meeting November 17 @ 1900H) To serve as the Jericho Sailing Centre's Technical Maintenance Committee for the building, compound, ramps and beaches. To consider requests for annual allocation and restricted use of club/meeting rooms, craft storage, and locker space. To receive and consider members' appeals of administration decisions in reference to storage and space allocation, and make recommendations to the Board.
SAFETY COMMITTEE ***** (New Meeting Date November 24 @ 1700H)****** To oversee the operation and maintenance of all J.S.C.A. power craft and accessory equipment. Be responsible for training and testing all operators of J.S.C.A. power craft. Oversee the Jericho Rescue Team Program. To maintain a safety conscious atmosphere for J.S.C.A. users, both on the water and in/around the compound. PROGRAMMES COMMITTEE (Annual Event Planning Meeting November 24 @ 1900H)
To plan J.S.C.A. Special Events and racing schedule. To oversee all aspects of racing at J.S.C.A . To oversee the production of the J.S.C.A. newsletter to ensure it is produced and distributed with reasonable frequency and adequate quality. To oversee the development and maintenance of the JSCA website.
PLANNING COMMITTEE (Next Meeting November 25 @ 1900H)
To provide a structure for the on-going function and development of the physical plant of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association.
Upcoming JSCA Board Meetings:
Tuesdays: December 8; January 26; February 16; all @ 1900H
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UBC Sailing Team Take 2nd @ Canadian Nationals
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Congratulations to UBC Sailing Team crew Ashley-Belle Burns, Joseph Gustafson, Gregory Woollgar,and Hanno Kite-Powell, who finished 2nd at the Collegiate Canadian Nationals in Kingston Ontario earlier this month. Coached by Marie-Pier Alary at the event, the team trains regularly at the Jericho Sailing Centre throughout the school year.
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Surprise Math Quiz: Jericho & DSA "Do The Math"
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DSA Fleet Racing in a Fresh Breeze (helicopter above)
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JSCA sailor and board member, James Kennedy was visiting friends when he took a casual interest in their son's grade 10 math homework. As James was checking out the textbook, to see if things had changed since he was in grade 10, mastering the abacus, he was surprised to find the following question:
"The Disabled Sailing Association had its first sessions at the Jericho Sailing Centre in Vancouver, BC. At a recent regatta, a television news team tracked two sailboats from a helicopter 800m above the water. The team observed the sailboats on the left and right sides of the helicopter at angles of depression of 58 degrees and 36 degrees, respectively. a) Which boat is located closer to the helicopter? Explain. b) Determine the distance between the two boats. Express your answer to the nearest metre." Think you know the answer? Get out your abacus and be the first to reply to this newsletter with the correct answer to win a Jericho Sailing Centre Fox 40 safety whistle and lanyard. |
Fall/Winter Ocean Access
| For security & safety Jericho Sailing Centre's ocean gates are kept locked at this time of year until needed. Please come see the office if you need a gate opened. Gate keys are available to our early morning users.
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Here are some things you must know about to recreate safely on English Bay at this time of year:
Appropriate Attire - Dress for Cold Water Immersion
The water temperature is well below the level where it is safe to recreate without a proper wetsuit (no shorties) 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.
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 leaving their crew swimming. 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. In addition to this, if you are launching from Jericho Beach stop in at the Jericho Sailing Centre office and fill out the WINTER LAUNCH LOG 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 particularly if you are not equipped with legally required running lights. 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 to give you more information on coping with cold water conditions:
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