Jericho Sailing Centre AssociationJanuary 15, 2018
                            
in the wind
Ahoy & Happy New Year
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 15, 2018 and beyond:
  
In This Issue
BS Volunteers
WINTER LAUNCH LOG
Safety Your Responsibility
Join our Mailing List!

Volunteers Wanted:  

Vancouver Boat Show January 17-21   

The 2018 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 17-21 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 still available; please email us if you'd like to sign on:

 

Wednesday, January 17:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H;1400-1600H; 1600-1800H; 1800-2000H.   

Thursday, January 18:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1400-1600H; 1600-1800H; 1800-2000H. 
Friday, January 19:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1400-1600H; 1600-1800H; 1800-2000H. 

Saturday, January 20:

1000-1200H; 1200-1400H; 1400-1600H; 1600-1800H; 1800-2000H.

Sunday, January 21:

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.

2018 Jericho Sailing Centre Event Schedule

The 2018 event schedule is on our website Google Calendar at:

http://jsca.bc.ca/events

 

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 weekends, weather permitting, commencing January 20. 

 

The JSCA Office will be open everyday 0930-1630H through January.

 

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:
 

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).

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