In The Wind: Sept 23, 2020

Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols – Week 20 STAGE 4

The Jericho Sailing Centre is sailing into Week 20 of operation under the Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols.  These protocols have been put in place to minimize the risk of spreading Covid-19 among the users, staff and volunteers of the Jericho Sailing Centre and must be strictly adhered to-no excuses, relaxation or Covid fatigue permitted. 

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With the official end of Summer in our wake we transition into STAGE 4 of our Covid-19 Safety Protocols which means the Jericho Sailing Centre will primarily be in use by JSCA members and their registered guests only, through the Fall, Winter and early Spring. Our Windsure and MacSailing school partners will still have limited programs available to the public over the next few weeks. Jericho Beach Kayak Centre will have programs running through the winter. Members of the public may join the JSCA any time throughout the year.

While the Galley Patio & Grill was scheduled to be open this weekend, weather permitting, a series of vigorous frontal systems, known by big wind fans as the “Pineapple Express” will bring heavy rain and strong winds to our area. The Galley will not open this weekend and will be closed for the season.


A new card lock system has been added to the Jericho Sailing Centre entrance gate. Under STAGE 4 Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols a valid* JSCA Membership Card is required to enter.

The main gate will be the only access point for members and their guests during STAGE 4. Your valid* JSCA Membership Card will be required to unlock the member gate. If you enter with other members please make sure to card swipe the reader on the gate for potential contact tracing purposes.

School patrons must go to the designated School Zone on the beach side of our facility:

GATE 1 MacSailing.

GATE 4 Windsure.

GATE 5 Jericho Beach Kayak Centre

Under STAGE 4 everyone entering the Jericho Sailing Centre facility must: wear a facemask at all times, stay physically distanced at all times, wash their hands frequently, register upon entry*, and of course, be kind to each other.

Guests accompanying members will be required to provide their name and phone number**. All ocean gates will remain closed until needed for boat launching or retrieval. 

To support the Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols there are temporary washroom, changeroom, shower and handwash stations throughout the compound. Showers and changerooms within the building will not be available. Interior washrooms will have an occupancy of 1 and people with accessibility challenges will be given priority.

All traffic within the Jericho Sailing Centre hallways and staircases, will be One Way only to support physical distancing. Please look for directional signage through-out the building and compound. JSCA office service is accessible via 2 service windows on the east exterior wall under a temporary awning.

The success of our Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocol depends on the cooperation of our entire Jericho community. Although members have been exceptionally good about adapting to and following the new protocols over the past 19 weeks, there have been a few who have have put “self” over “community” by not wearing their face mask properly at all times within the Centre. Please do not be selfish. Together we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus. If we can all keep our respiratory droplets to ourselves we will succeed.

*Please ensure you have signed the 2020 liability waiver to ensure your membership card is valid. Waivers can be signed at the following link:  JSCA Waiver 

**Registration information is taken for the potential purpose of Contact Tracing only. All information will be securely stored and destroyed after 30 days.

Jericho Sailing Centre: Gate Keeper Ambassadors

One of the high points of this 2020 pandemic season has been our community’s support for the Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols and, in particular, the 70+ Jericho Sailing Centre Association members who volunteered to assist as Gatekeeper Ambassadors-THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts & hulls! There are still some sunny, busy days beyond this series of active storm fronts, and we will still need Gatekeeper Ambassadors for these periods so please keep signing up on the TeamApp schedule.

THIS WEEKEND @ JERICHO Last Sunday Racing of the Season

Sunday, September 27
First Start 1230H
Registration required @ jracing.org

Penguin Cup Racing Series

Penguin Cup Racing Series 
October 4, 11, 18, 24 & 25 

The annual Fall sail racing classic returns Sundays starting October 4 and just to make sure nobody misses out on the last weekend due to Covid limits we’ve scheduled a Saturday race on  BC Election Day, October 24-make your boat count.
First Start 1230H
Registration required @ jracing.org

Sunday Racing & Penguin Cup Series – Pre-race Check in Please

Racers please check-in with the race committee on the water before racing.

In the interest of keeping official numbers out on the race course racers are required to both register online at jracing.org before racing and to check-in with the committee upon arrival on the race course – before competing in your first race. This will help keep us honest in our efforts to respect Dr. Henry’s Public Health Order and also help us resolve placeholder sail numbers to names and produce race results more efficiently. Thanks for your co-operation.

** Covid Guidelines Alert** SAIL RACERS MUST NOW PRE-REGISTER ONLINE

Jericho’s weekly Sail Racing programs have been increasing in popularity and numbers have been swelling to 1990s levels. While this is great news for our racers, we do have to be mindful of Dr. Henry’s Public Health order limiting events to a total of 50 people. Online registration is required on a event-by-event basis for both regular Sunday and Tuesday Nite racing programs. We apologize to those racers who have already registered for the entire season as they will be required to re-register every week like everyone else. Numbers will be capped at 44 participants based on class rule crew requirements for each type of registered boat. Once the limit of 44 participants is reached, any further racers will be turned away both on the water and from the registration process. Big thanks goes to Richard Spencer for being able to alter the code on https://www.jracing.org/ in such short order, protecting our ability to continue to offer regular racing programs.

SAFETY NOTICE: Receding Daylight – Ocean Gates Locked at Sunset (<1907H)

A reminder to all evening users of the Jericho Sailing Centre: tonight’s sunset is at 1907H (7:07pm for landlubbers). As we continue the long downhill slide to the winter solstice we are losing about 2 minutes of daylight each day. The wind frequently shuts off abruptly within an hour of sunset so if you are a sail powered craft you could run out of gas. Don’t sail any further from the Centre than you’d like to paddle considering tidal conditions and make sure you have your legally required paddle.

All craft on the water after sunset are required to display the appropriate lighting. Reference Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide for the legal requirements of your craft. Jericho Sailing Centre’s ocean gates are locked at sunset; if you plan to return after sunset it is your responsibility to ensure you have a gate key (available to all members $8).

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.

Jericho Beach Kayak Centre

Winter Paddling:

People have the opportunity to come kayak every other Wednesday and Saturday from 1-3pm throughout the entire winter. Cost $59

Online VHF courses

We are allowed to run our VHF courses online again due to the Covid pandemic.

Current we have one course scheduled October 20 and one November 26. The cost is $169 and includes the course material, license fee as well as instruction and testing.https://jerichobeachkayak.com/lessons/online-vhf-radio-course/

LAST WOW of 2020 Women on Water Tuesday September  29 @ Jericho

Jericho Beach Kayak Centre co-owner, Erian Baxter started the popular Women on Water program at the Deep Cove Kayak Centre 18 years ago for women of all paddling abilities to come together for a relaxed, semi guided, summer evening paddle. Jericho Beach Kayak Centre’s experienced volunteers lead the paddle and keep the group together. The last WOW of 2020 will be held on Tuesday, September 29 1830H-2030H.

For more info. & to register, paddle over to WOW!

July 7 WOW Photo Gallery

Jericho Sailing Centre Schools 

Windsure Adventure Sports   

for windsurfing, SUP and skimboarding 

Windsure will be open daily from 12-7pm until September 30th, weather dependent, for rentals and lessons and groups. If unsure about weather conditions, the public may call us at 604-224-0615 to check if we are open.

We will be closed to the public for October, although we do have a couple of school groups.

MacSailing 

for dinghy sailing & canoeing

limited adult sailing programs over the next few weeks  

Jericho Beach Kayak Centre

for kayaking and surf ski

Winter Paddling:

People have the opportunity to come kayak every other Wednesday and Saturday from 1-3pm throughout the entire winter. Cost $59

Online VHF courses

We are allowed to run our VHF courses online again due to the Covid pandemic.

Current we have one course scheduled October 20 and one November 26. The cost is $169 and includes the course material, license fee as well as instruction and testing.

JSCA ONLINE AGM UPDATE – NEW ELECTION PROCEDURES

Jericho Sailing Centre Association                               
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1900H

The Jericho Sailing Centre Association’s 47th Annual General Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 1900H ONLINE ONLY (login details will be announced October 20). The 2019/2020 J.S.C.A. Board and Committees will report on their accomplishments this past year and the challenges for the future. Please plan to attend and participate in the future direction of your ocean community centre.

Call for Nominations

Voting will take place to elect seven members for a two-year term and one member to a 1 year term, to our 15 member Board of Directors. The J.S.C.A. Board meets regularly to set policy and determine Jericho’s direction. Interested members who have time and expertise to offer are invited to submit a letter indicating their experience and areas of interest to the J.S.C.A. Nominations Committee c/o the Jericho office no later than 1700H, Tuesday, October 13.   The nomination letter must include your name, address and telephone number.   For additional information contact Mike Cotter, J.S.C.A. General Manager 224-4177 or email mike@jsca.bc.ca.

UPDATE

The JSCA Board of Directors, at their September meeting, updated the JSCA Electoral Procedures to facilitate online voting which will commence on October 20, 2020 and close 30 minutes after the start of the AGM (see below for full details). Voting packages and meeting log-in details will be emailed to all current members on October 20. Those who wish to wish to access this information by other means are encouraged to contact the JSCA office.

J.S.C.A. ELECTORAL PROCEDURES

1. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

a) The J.S.C.A. Board shall appoint a 3 person Nominations Committee to call for and receive nominations for the Board and to supervise the conduct of the election and the counting of ballots.

b) A call for nominations and the last date that the Nominations Committee can receive nominations which will appear on the ballot shall be sent to all members no later than the time at which notice of the AGM is given, and posted on the J.S.C.A. website.

c) The Nominations Committee shall attempt to ensure that there are enough candidates to fill any Board positions which will become vacant, and may solicit nominations.

2. ELIGIBILITY

a) Only fully paid-up members of J.S.C.A. are eligible to vote or stand for election to the Board.

b) J.S.C.A. memberships will be available up to the end of normal office hours on the day before the AGM.

c) A list of the eligible nominations received by the Nominations Committee will be posted on the J.S.C.A. website before online voting opens.

3. VOTING

a) All ballots will be cast using an online voting procedure approved by the Nominating Committee.

b) The Nominating Committee will review the method and procedures proposed for online voting, and will take reasonable steps to ensure that:

i) Only eligible J.S.C.A. members can vote;

ii) Each eligible member can vote once only;

iii) It is possible to track who has voted;

iv) It is not possible to track how any person voted;

v) The counting of online votes is secure and accurate;

vi) The vote count can be accessed directly from the online voting system.

c) Online voting will open at 9 am, seven days before the AGM, and will close 30 minutes after the start of the AGM. There will be a link on the J.S.C.A. website to the online voting website.

d) Access to a computer that allows online voting shall be available at the J.S.C.A. office during normal office hours, beginning on the day when online voting opens, and ending when the J.S.C.A office closes on the last day of voting.

e) When online voting is available, J.S.C.A. staff will assist members who come to the J.S.C.A. office requesting help to cast their ballot using the online voting procedure.

4. MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGES

a) Any person who believes they are eligible to vote, but whose name does not appear on the online voter list, should contact the JSCA office as soon as possible, and no later than one hour before the office closes on the last day of voting.

b) J.S.C.A. staff shall attempt to resolve all membership challenges as quickly as possible.

c) When J.S.C.A. staff determine that a person who is eligible to vote is not on the online voter list, that person’s name shall be promptly added to the list.

d) A person challenging a membership decision may submit receipts, canceled cheques, etc., to substantiate his or her claim to have a valid membership.

e) A person may ask the Nominating Committee to review a membership decision made by J.S.C.A staff, and the person’s name shall be added to the voter list if the challenge is validated to the satisfaction of the Committee.

5. COUNTING OF BALLOTS

a) Counting of ballots shall be completed within 24 hours of the close of voting. The vote count will normally be accessed immediately following the close of voting.

b) The Nominations Committee shall be responsible for accessing the vote count from the online voting system.

c) Members who wish to observe the accessing of the vote count shall submit their names to the J.S.C.A. Office before the office closes one day before the AGM is held. The Nominations Committee may select up to eight observers, taking into consideration any requirements for measures such as social distancing. No candidate may be an observer.

d) If the AGM is held in person, the vote count shall be accessed in the presence of any observers. If the AGM is held online, reasonable efforts will be made to ensure observers are satisfied with the procedure used to access the vote count.

6. ELECTION RESULTS

a) The names of any candidates who can be declared elected before the end of the AGM will be announced at that time.

b) If there are unresolved challenges to the eligibility of one or more voters when voting closes, the Nominations Committee may access the vote count and review the results of the election. If the Nominations Committee determines that the results of the election to fill one or more vacant positions could be affected by votes cast after all membership challenges have been resolved, they may withhold declaring the result of the election for those positions until the challenges are resolved.

c) Online voting results will be held by the Nominations Committee until the status of any membership challenges has been resolved, and all positions can be declared filled.

d) If any person is found to have voted when they were not eligible to do so that person’s ballot will be identified and removed. The Nominations Committee will attempt to resolve any allegations of improper voting as quickly as possible.

e) When the Nomination Committee is satisfied that all positions have been filled and that no further counting or consideration of eligibility to vote is required, they shall ensure that the online voting totals are deleted.

f) Any ties for the last position available shall be broken by the Nominations Committee using some method of random chance such as a coin toss. The candidates or their observers have a right to be present when this is done.

g) The number of votes cast for each candidate shall not be reported.

Appendix 1. The Committee approves the use of ElectionBuddy (https://electionbuddy.com) as the online voting system for use for the 2020 Board elections.

Version 2.2 2020-09-12

Jericho Sailing Centre – Craft & Equipment Storage Available

There are still some craft and equipment storage spaces available to members at the Jericho Sailing Centre.

Kayaks – $158           
Double Kayaks – $191
SUPs & Windsurfers – $158
Laser Racks – $191
Tall Lockers – $119
Small Lockers – $63

Physical Distancing Reminder

Out on Vancouver’s largest playground it’s easy to leave stress, worry and current concerns on shore. It’s as if the pandemic can’t reach you out there. These are escapism’s finest hours.  Never have your salt water therapy sessions been more needed or deserved.

As the Jericho Sailing Centre is getting very busy on these sunny summer days, we’ve noticed some people relaxing a little too much and letting their guard down on the land side. Physical distancing has, at times, been shrinking in the beach areas and within the Jericho Sailing Centre compound. Please remember we all need to be diligent and work together to put Covid-19 in our wake. Two metres (6’6″), as demonstrated in this photo by paddlers Lucy & Jenn, is further than you think. Please practice proper physical distancing at all times.

UFO’s Fishers on the Pier

In order to avoid unpleasant interactions with fishers we recommend that users of the Jericho Sailing Centre not pass between the Jericho Pier and “J” Buoy – the white striped orange can bouy positioned just out of (wind assisted) crab trap throwing range off the NE corner of the pier.

Although fishing is not permitted off of the east side of the pier, it does frequently happen and recently one of our members boats was hit by a crab trap. 

Jericho Sailing Centre Affiliated Clubs 

One of the best ways to enjoy recreational ocean access on Vancouver’s largest playground is to join a community based club at 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/  
Companionway Sailing Club – http://www.companionwaysailing.ca/  
Disabled Sailing Association – http://disabledsailingbc.org 
Discovery Sailing Club –  http://www.discoverysailing.org 
Jericho Paddling Club- http://www.jerichooutrigger.com/ 
Salish Sea Coastal Rowing Club – http://www.salishsearowing.ca/  
UBC Sailing Club – https://ubcsailing.org/  
Viking Sailing Club – https://www.vikingsailingclub.bc.ca/ 

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

Facemasks

The last pandemic taught us that containing respiratory droplets in a facemask is a simple strategy to stop the spread of a deadly, highly contagious virus.

If we all keep our droplets to ourselves, wash our hands, keep physically distanced and frequently disinfect high touch areas; Covid-19 doesn’t stand a chance of spreading at the Jericho Sailing Centre. That’s our goal.

During the last 9 weeks of operation we have noticed that many Jericho users have come prepared with their own face masks. We encourage ALL Jericho users to bring their own facemask. The disposable masks we have been providing are PLASTIC and we should all be focusing on using less plastic. Please: be kind to each other; be kind to our environment.

 DISPOSABLE FACEMASKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $2 AT THE FRONT GATE. PLEASE SAVE MONEY, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY BRINGING YOUR OWN.

Batten Down the Hatches! More Pacific Storms Coming This 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).

Cold Water Recreation

There are many people 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. A neoprene cowling is recommended for sports which feature frequent immersion. 

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 to a cold water recreation education site:

http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/

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 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/VAPE FREE facility. There is No Smoking or 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 dollys are for launching/retrieval only (not for storage) and must be returned to the fence immediately after use.
  • 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.

Respect your community by strictly following the Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols.


Safety on the Ocean 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 practise.

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 its 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

Always do a careful pre-launch safety check of your craft equipment and crew

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.