In The Wind: October 21, 2020
Jericho Sailing Centre Association Annual General Meeting Online Next Tuesday
In the bleakest days of early April, as the Covid-19 pandemic was swelling toward it’s anticipated mid-April peak, and the City of Vancouver and Province of BC had each declared a State of Emergency with lock-downs imposed; it seemed possible that the Jericho Sailing Centre might not be able to reopen for the summer of 2020.
The members of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association, accustomed to adapting to occasional sudden changes in Vancouver’s marine environment, quickly changed course on a fully planned 2020 schedule of events, programs and facilities, developing a new plan to re-launch the Jericho Sailing Centre under Covid-19 Safety Protocols with a goal to operate through our busiest season while minimizing the risk of spreading the corona virus. It seems like our plan worked.
Here in late October, we can now catch our breath and take a look back at how well our diverse ocean community came together, in the face of pandemic adversity, to let the people of Vancouver sail, paddle, windsurf, SUP and row on Vancouver’s largest playground out of the Jericho Sailing Centre mid-May through today. (A year when we needed our salt water therapy sessions the most.) Join us for the Annual General Meeting of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association next Tuesday, October 27 online at 1900H as we review 2020 and look ahead to the future.
AGM Voting & Zoom Meeting Log-in Information
Emails were sent to all current JSCA members on Tuesday, October 20 with the subject line:
Vote now: Jericho Sailing Centre Association – JSCA 2020 Board of Directors Election
The email contains:
-each member’s exclusive ballot access key to vote via our online app ElectionBuddy;
-a link to JSCA Board Candidates information;
-a link to the JSCA Electoral Procedures;
-a link to the AGM Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, October 27 at 1900H, Meeting ID and Passcode.
Online voting opened at 0900H, October 20 and will close 30 minutes after the start of the AGM. There is a link on the J.S.C.A. website to the online voting website.
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 (1730H) on the last day of voting-please bring your ballot access key with you.
If you are a current member of the JSCA but did not receive our email in your inbox please contact our office (604) 224-4566 immediately after checking your spam inbox.
Penguin Cup Racing Series – Final Weekend!
Penguin Cup Racing Series October 24 & 25
The annual Fall sail racing classic concludes this Saturday & Sunday.
Pre-registration required.
First Start 1230H Registration required @ jracing.org
SAFETY NOTICE: Receding Daylight – Ocean Gates Locked at Sunset (<1811H)
A reminder to all evening users of the Jericho Sailing Centre: tonight’s sunset is at 1811H (6:11pm 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 Programs
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 $59https://jerichobeachkayak.com/tours/winter-paddling/
Online VHF coursesWe 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/
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
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).
Jericho Sailing Centre Covid-19 Safety Protocols – Week 24 STAGE 4
The Jericho Sailing Centre is sailing into Week 24 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.
During STAGE 4 of our Covid-19 Safety Protocols 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 have closed for the season. Jericho Beach Kayak Centre will have reduced programs running through the winter (see below). Members of the public may join the JSCA any time throughout the year.
The main gate will be the initial 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.
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** at the office service window. 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.
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. Thank you to everyone who has committed to put “community” over “self”. Together we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of spreading the Covid-19 virus.
*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.
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:
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.