In the wind: January 13, 2022

Happy New Year!

We would like to wish all paddlers, rowers, sailors and other members of our user community a happy and healthy new year. This year has started with a bang and we thank everyone for their patience while we deal with the effects of the recent weather on our facility.

Plumbing update – Hot water is back on

The profound cold weather of late December had damaged various pipes in the building. Plumbers have been working to resolve these issues and we are happy to announce that the hot water is back up and running in the building.

Water surging into the compound and against the building during the Jan 7 storm

Storm Surge!

On January 7th northwesterly winds in the 25-45 kts range added a significant storm surge to the king tide. Ocean water was pushed past our fence, into our compound and up against the north side of the building. Our storm barriers successfully protected the building from interior flooding but the ocean left a large amount of sand and debris inside the compound. Even a few boats floated out of their racks!

The water level in the West part of the compound was high enough to float several boats out of their racks.

Volunteers Needed for Compound Cleanup

Several members have offered to help with compound clean-up. Considering the current state of the pandemic we are inviting small bubble groups to help out on an ongoing basis. We are happy to provide shovels, wheel barrows and other tools as needed.

If you’d like to help please give our office a call at 604.224.4177 to let us know when you plan to show up.

Is your craft properly winterized?

Is Your Vessel Properly Winterized?

The cold, rain and wind common in the winter months can lift and move boats, rip tarps and lead to standing water in your craft. When standing water freezes in your boat it expands and can cause significant damage. Is your boat properly stored? Have you checked-in on it recently? A few preventative measures can avoid disappointment and repairs come spring and summer.

Cold Water Recreation

Appropriate Attire – Dress for Cold Water Immersion
The water temperature is now well below the level where it is safe to recreate without proper cold water attire: wetsuit, drysuit, etc. 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 might be OK until something goes wrong and they suddenly find themselves unexpectedly immersed in cold 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. Never leave your craft in an emergency situation as it is far easier to spot from a distance 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.

Off Season Launch Log
Please use the Jericho Sailing Centre facilities at this time of year at your own discretion. All users understand that they are ultimately responsible for their own safety. In addition to letting a friend or family member know of your safety float plan you can check in at the JSCA office to register in our off Season Launch Log. The JSCA assumes no risk or liability for your safety on the water.

Be Aware of Sunset
Make sure your safety float plan includes plenty of time to get off of the water before sunset. If something goes wrong for you: equipment failure; changing conditions; fatigue, etc., you are very difficult to find in the dark.

Here is a link to one of our favourite cold water education sites: http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/

English Bay Safety Seminar Online

The English Bay Safety Seminar was developed for users of the Jericho Sailing Centre to help keep them safe at play while on the waters of English Bay and beyond. The seminar covers basic water safety fundamentals along with user specific information drawn from the logs of the Jericho Rescue Team who have intervened in thousands of “sea disasters” over the past 46 years.

Click: English Bay Safety Seminar

Jericho Sailing Centre Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols

The Jericho Sailing Centre Association is committed to fighting the spread of Covid-19.
We are actively working on revising our COVID Safety Plan based on the most recent requirements. Stay tuned for new measures soon.

Mask use is mandatory in the building, optional in the compound.
Please bring your own mask. Disposable masks available for purchase in the JSCA Office.

  • Sailor’s Lounge and roof top deck open to members.
  • Indoor washrooms capacity limits removed.
  • Other than the Burrard room, all rooms in the Jericho Sailing Centre building are back to their original capacities.
  • One-way travel in the building.
  • Member service window barrier and office configuration will be retained. Indoor mask use by staff retained. Outdoor mask use by staff optional.
  • Indoor shower and change room usage open for vaccinated members.
  • Continue to be kind to each other and give each other generous personal space.

We anticipate further changes, tweaking and tuning, as we move through the winter. Thank you for being considerate of others.

On the water, 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.

For more water safety info., tread water over to: English Bay Safety.

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 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.

Galley Patio & Grill Closed for the Season