In the wind: September 21, 2022
UBCREC Day(s) of the Longboat over the next 2 Weekends
Three thousand years ago the original human inhabitants of this area flexed their paddles and launched their canoes from this pre-Vancouver, pre-Pacific, shoreline into the Salish Sea. It was a cornerstone of their culture. Over the next 2 weekends 3,500 participants will earn their “paddling wings”, in the 2022 UBCREC “Day of the Longboat” -as the millenniums old Salish/Vancouver-ish tradition continues.
The Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre, has hosted the UBCREC “Day of the Longboat” for thirty-five years and we welcome everyone to come view this spectator friendly, ocean playground, community event on October 1 & 2 (0800-1600H). You will witness an invigoratingly unique, very large, quite loud, Salish Sea, celebration of the paddle; our soul connection to Vancouver’s most ancient community. Your ocean spirit, will be lifted.
To get a taste of what Day of the Longboat is all about check out this video produced by UBCREC of a previous Day of the Longboat race. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlSmDZr8-vg&feature=youtu.be
This weekend, September 24 & 25, is the clinic weekend where each of the 355 ten person teams will get a one hour training session between 0800H-1600H. It will be far more benign and peaceful than the big event on the following weekend, but regular users will still have to keep a sharp lookout as these craft are large and cumbersome, do not stop quickly and are not very maneuverable.
We have a few more boats than usual stuffed into our compound over the next 10 days. If your craft has become less accessible due to temporary storage, please let the Jericho office know and we’ll be glad to help you out.
October 1 & 2 Race Weekend-Keep a Sharp Lookout
The Day of the Longboat race takes place on October 1 & 2 from 0800-1600H. The 8-boat heats will start from the Jericho Sailing Centre shore between ramps #1 & #2 every 8 minutes or so and return to the shore between ramps #3 & #4 after completing their 2 km round trip to and from Jerry’s Cove east of the Jericho Sailing Centre. It is important to pay close attention and keep a sharp lookout when launching or approaching the shore to ensure you don’t become an unfortunate part of the race. Members of the Jericho Rescue Team will be stationed on the shore and on the water to assist anyone launching a craft or returning to shore. Please heed their advice and be extra vigilant when transiting the area.
Receding Daylight
Photo Andrei Bredin
As time sails further away from the 2022 Summer Solstice evenings are becoming shorter by a couple of minutes each day: tonight’s sunset is at 1912H. During fair weather the wind frequently shuts off abruptly within an hour of sunset. A good rule of thumb if you are in a wind fueled craft is: never sail further from Jericho within that hour than you are prepared to paddle back.
Additionally JSCA office hours are also shifting with the sunset. This week the office will be closing at 1900H.
Penguin Cup Series
Penguin Cup racing is scheduled for October 9,16 & 23. First signal at 1230H
Register at jracing.org
Racing Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
All members are invited to attend the annual JSCA Racing Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, October 23 at 1700H. Tickets are $15 and available in the JSCA office up until Saturday, October 22. There will be a slideshow presentation and awards bestowed upon our notable racers and volunteers. As our way of showing appreciation for our volunteers, they receive complementary tickets. If you volunteered for the JSCA in 2022 and haven’t yet received your invitation by October 9 please contact the JSCA office.
Smugmug’s Sea Otter Photo Gallery
Local photographer, Jim Davie, has been developing his sea legs on board our Jericho Rescue boats catching action on waves in the waters off the Jericho Sailing Centre. Check out his gallery of awesome photos taken over the past several weeks:
https://jimdavie.smugmug.com/C-Otter/
SOS: Future of Jericho Pier Unclear!
Park Board Engineering Report Is Expected in August
“Renewing the Jericho Pier is not identified as a priority project in the proposed 2023-2026 capital plan.“
from the June 27, 2022 Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation meeting report on the 2023-2026 Capital Plan.
We are still waiting to hear back from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation about plans for reopening the Jericho Pier which was severely damaged in the January 7, 2022 storm. We’ll keep readers updated in future newsletters.
In the meantime, please send your comments to the Park Board. PB.Comments@Vancouver.ca
SAFETY NOTICE: Colder Conditions Require Appropriate Attire
Cold Water Recreation Requires More Knowledge and Experience
Here are some things Fall, Winter and Spring users of the Jericho Sailing Centre must know about cold water ocean recreation:
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. Hypothermia is the most significant danger experienced ocean recreationalists face. Wear a neoprene cowling, a wool toque or other hat to help retain body heat.
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.
For more information, shiver over to this cold water education site:
http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/
English Bay Safety Seminar
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. 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 45+ years.
Why make your own mistakes when you can learn from the mistakes of others? Don’t challenge Darwin’s theory, make sure your water safety knowledge is the fittest it can be. Your survival may well depend upon it. Find the missing links and fill in the gaps in your water safety knowledge
Sail the Slideshow on our Website
A Message From Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety
Operating a Human Powered Craft
Jericho Sailing Centre Autumn School Info
Jericho Beach Kayak
Jericho Beach Kayak’s last day of daily rental operations will be this weekend (September 25).
If you want to continue paddling throughout the winter join their weekly winter paddles on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Pre-registration is required: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/tours/winter-paddling/
They also remain open through the winter for private bookings (whether it’s for groups or individuals):
If you want to take the colder months to prepare for the next season consider getting your VHF radio license or take their Online Trip Planning Series.
Windsure Adventure Watersports
Regular rental hours will end September30.
MacSailing
The MacSailing Junior Race Programs continue into Autumn. They are looking to acquire additional Lasers if anyone has one they are not using.
Revised Galley Hours
The Jericho Galley Patio and Grill is transitioning to the Fall schedule in October and will be open 1100H-1730H on weekends only, weather permitting.
Jericho Sailing Centre Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association is committed to fighting the spread of Covid-19. Covid Hasn’t Left Us – If you are feeling sick please stay home!
On the Water-Safety is Your Responsibility
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. PFD’s MUST be properly fitted.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 possible14. Be cautious of pathway traffic when launching/retrieving15. Do not leave your craft on the shoreline for extended periods of time16.Stay at least 300M clear of ships at anchor in Vancouver Harbour.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 Seminar
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.
Pay Parking in Effect
Pay Parking is in effect in Jericho Beach Park from April 1 through September 30.Season parking passes are available through EasyPark for $105.
To apply for a parking pass:Go to https://easypark.t2hosted.ca/Account/Portal
- Scroll down to Permits and click Get Permits, Log in or Create Account
- Login to your guest account or create one.
- Select Lot 69 Jericho Beach