Annual Royal Visit Impending Jericho Sailing Centre Sinks In Stormy King Tides

Annual Royal Visit Impending Jericho Sailing Centre Sinks In Stormy King Tides

Nov 14, 2015

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

Jericho Sailing Centre Etiquette

Common sense and consideration of fellow members 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: 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/VAPE FREE facility. There is No Smoking/Vaping 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 dollies 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 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, non-barking/whining 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 on shore 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.
Colder Conditions Require Appropriate Attire and Preparation

Some people look forward to winter ocean recreation as a way to keep enjoying the salt water sports that they love. Winter conditions present a slate of considerations. Over the years, Jericho Rescue has rescued people in the initial stages of hypothermia at all times of year. In winter, this is a risk people should be mitigating with proper preparation. Tim Murphy sails on a blustery, chilly day in mid January. Note the smaller ILCA 6 rig, drysuit and toque. Tim also made sure to stay close to shore in case something went awry. Upgrade your attirePlay safe and dress for survival. Now that the air and water temperatures have become noticeably cooler, the wetsuit or thermally protective attire that may have been optional in the summer months is now mandatory. What attire is appropriate depends on your activity. If you are sailing or windsurfing then a cold water wetsuit is in order. A full length 4/3mm or thicker wetsuit with a proper hood or hat would be a minimum (a 5/4mm or thicker suit would be even warmer). Wetsuit manufacturers also offer accessory thermal layers (vests, hoods and shorts) to add warmth as conditions get colder. This is a great way to extend the usefulness of your regular suit. Some folks prefer drysuits. Make sure the style of drysuit is appropriate for your activity and this time of year it would be important to make sure you are wearing proper insulating layers beneath your drysuit. In either case, check to make sure your suit is in good condition with no holes and that the seals are functioning properly. Heat loss from your head and/or neck should be addressed with a hood, hat and/or a neck tube. Neoprene booties, gloves or mittens are also a good idea. Jonathan enjoyed a snowy surfski session in February. He stayed close to shore and was dressed appropriately in the event of cold water immersion. If paddling or rowing, its a good idea to add insulating and/or wind-blocking layers to a dry bag in the bottom of your boat. This way you can layer up and down as you cycle through work and recovery intervals during your workout, or if you end up getting wetter than expected. It’s important that these layers work well when wet and do not absorb water – wool and synthetics are recommended. Be smart about your activity patternsSailing, paddling or rowing in the cold means being smart about your route and preparation. Mitigate your chances of being caught out in the cold by doing more laps closer to home instead of forging further from shore. If windy, make your way upwind first to protect against getting caught downwind should something go wrong. Be conservative with your gear choices, skill and endurance levels. The cold combined with extra attire always makes activity a little more difficult and the consequences of gear or skill failure are more dangerous. Choose a smaller sail, or a more seaworthy kayak than you might choose in similar conditions during the summer. Resist the urge for “one more reach” and make sure you’re on shore before you get tired or before the cold reduces your ability to operate your craft competently. Have a plan to call for help if you need it.The law requires a sound signalling device, but a whistle or horn is no good if no one is on the water to hear it. In the winter there are less boats in English Bay, and a boater in distress is less likely to be spotted by a vessel of opportunity. If you do venture further from shore be prepared with a way to call for help. A cell phone in a waterproof case or a VHF marine radio (as long as you are licensed to operate it) are good items to bring with you. Safety in numbersUse the buddy system. Always sail, paddle, or 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. These UBC Sailing Club kayakers are well equipped for winter paddling. Note the safety gear on deck, drysuits, neoprene hoods, a calm day and a buddy to paddle with. What to do if you fall in: The 1-10-1 principle and H.E.L.P.If you do fall into cold water (water temperatures in winter around here hover around 6 degrees Celsius), no matter how well prepared, your body will cool off more quickly than it can generate heat. 1 minute – cold shock In the minute or two immediately after immersion, your body’s cold water shock response will quicken your breathing and heart rate. Your only job during this phase is to gain control of your breathing and to not panic. Protect your airway at all costs. If it’s a windy day staying in the lee of your craft will help. 10 minutes – cold incapacitationOnce your breating rate subsides, you then have about 10 minutes or so of fine and gross motor strength and coordination to get yourself out of your situation before the cold functionally incapacitates you. This is when you should try and re-board your craft and/or find a way to get your body out of the water and get to shore as quickly as you can. If you can’t get out of the water try and stay with your craft. Even getting your body partially out of the water will significantly increase your chances for survival. If you are not wearing your PFD you will likely drown after 10-20 minutes when the cold will take away your ability to swim. 1 hour – until unconciousness due to hypothermiaIf you remain in the cold water with little additional insulation, you’ll have about one hour before you lose consciousness due to hypothermia. Wearing a PFD, proper wetsuit or drysuit and using the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) will help extend your survival time. Note that inflatable PFDs offer less thermal protection than inherently buoyant foam …
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.

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Annual Royal Visit Impending Jericho Sailing Centre Sinks In Stormy King Tides