In the wind: Sept 4, 2024
Endless Summer in Vancouver
Many users of the Jericho Sailing Centre go into marine hibernation following the Labour Day weekend; but wait, don’t put that boat away for the season just yet. September is seventy-three percent summer and is often one of the best months for naturally powered ocean activity in Vancouver. The transition of seasons from summer into fall often brings a bountiful harvest of wind over the bounding main. Water and air frequently maintain their summer composure, temperature wise, and although twilight progressively dwindles down to the shortest last straw of summer days, there can still be time to slip in a quick session on the briny between the end of labouring for daily wages and the end of useful daylight.
The Jericho Sailing Centre will be busy, supporting 8 more on water event days this September including the largest of our 80+ events each year: the 3,500 participant UBC Rec “Day of the Longboat” over the last 2 weekends. Also on our event calendar is the North American Tasar Championships (September 7 & 8), and the aptly named End of Summer Regatta on the last full weekend of summer September 14 & 15.
When the summer of 2024 officially takes its final bow on September 22nd don’t be surprised if it’s followed by a curtain call with an encore of summer-like weather in the early autumn providing even more great Vancouver ocean recreation conditions well into October.
Jericho Whale Watch
Recently users of the Jericho Sailing Centre have been spotting Grey Whales in the area of Spanish Bank between the pier and the Point Grey bell can. Typically they appear unexpectedly in the vicinity of Jericho craft, sometimes within the 100M buffer zone; apparently they aren’t aware of the rules. When possible give them their required space; when not possible try to stay out of their way and enjoy the awesomeness of communing with nature.
More information on sharing the ocean with whales at https://www.bewhalewise.org/
2024 North American Tasar Championships
This weekend at Jericho:
A two day regatta for Tasar sailors to decide the North American Champions. Registration is at jracing.org or in person on Saturday Sept 7.
Notice of Race CLICK HERE
Sailing Instructions CLICK HERE
September Events @ Jericho
North American Tasar Championships
September 7 & 8
End of Summer Regatta
September 14 & 15
Cascadia Beach Sprints (rowing event)
September 14
UBCREC Day of the Longboat
September 21 & 22 (clinics)
September 28 & 29 (event)
Please remember to register for sail events at jracing.org.
Full 2024 JSCA Event Schedule & info: Jericho Events
In Memoriam: Maxime Laurent
It is with deepest sadness that we share news of the passing last week of our fellow member, Jericho Rescue Team & former JSCA Board member, Maxime Laurent (above left). Maxime was a senior Jericho Rescue Team volunteer and a most positive crew mate, tireless worker and inspiring mentor to new team members and staff. Anyone who encountered Maxime could easily see and feel his “joie de vivre”, his zest for life, and all knew that if you drew him as a crewmate for the day, you were going to have a good day. Maxime skippered Jericho Rescue at the August 24 Vancouver Open Water Swim event and sent us a selfie of he, Erin and Derek in action. Even on a cold wet dreary morning his smile was infectious.
Maxime was not feeling well August 27 and went to hospital. He was released that same afternoon and passed away unexpectedly that evening. We have no further details at this time but will share any celebration or other appropriate information when we receive it.
English Bay Safety Seminar
Never take water safety for granted, be Boaty McBoatSafe…
Users of the Jericho Sailing Centre share Vancouver’s largest playground with Canada’s busiest port and are required to know and exercise the “rules of the road” while recreating in this area. Users should be aware of shipping lanes, ships transiting between the lanes and anchorages, and Traffic Control Zones. All non-commercial vessels shall stay well clear of commercial vessels including ships at anchor.
The English Bay Safety Seminar was developed for users of the Jericho Sailing Centre to help keep them safe while at play 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 49+ 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
For more Safe Boating information check out Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide
Jericho School Partners
Surf over to our school partner websites for information on lesson and rental programs at the Jericho Sailing Centre:
MacSailing
Dinghy Sailing and Canoe lesson, rental, pass programs and youth camps.
https://macsailing.com/
Jericho Beach Kayak Centre
Kayaking and Surf Ski lesson, rental and pass programs
jerichobeachkayak.com
Jericho Beach Kayak remains open through September (and even throughout the winter).
Rental Hours in September
- Weekends: 9am, last rental 5-7pm
- Weekdays: 11:30am, last rental 5-7pm
- Last day of daily rental operations: September 30
More info can be found here: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/kayak-rentals-vancouver/kayak-rental/
Tours & Lessons
JBK also continues to run daily tours (including their popular sunset tours) and a number of lessons throughout September and into October.
Details on tours can be found here: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/kayak-tours/
Details on lessons can be found here: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/kayak-lessons/
Winter Paddles
Throughout the winter JBK will offer weekly Winter Paddles every Saturday. More info can be found here: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/kayak-tours/winter-paddling/
Windsure Adventure Watersports
Windsurfing, SUP and skimboarding lesson, rental and pass programs
windsure.com
SAFETY NOTICE: Wind Shuts Off Abruptly
During fair weather periods at this time of year the wind frequently shuts down abruptly within an hour of sunset. If you are on a wind powered craft this means you have just run out of gas. The general rule of thumb for sailors is: never sail further away from home port than you would care to paddle within that hour; and, always carry a paddle.
NO SWIMMING AND/OR WADING in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre
The beach area immediately north of the Jericho Sailing Centre is Vancouver’s only public beach designated for the launch of small, naturally powered craft: sailing dinghies, SUPs, rowboats, windsurfers, canoes, kayaks, wing surfers, foiling sailcraft, etc.; swimming and/or wading is strictly prohibited.
Vancouver has some great swimming/wading beaches, however, the stretch of Jericho Beach in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre is NOT one of them.
The danger for swimmers/waders in this area is the extreme amount of small boat traffic including many craft skippered by beginners and novices. It’s all good fun until someone gets a Hobie in the head. Many years ago a woman standing waist deep in this area had her leg broken by an out of control boat. Excellent swim beaches are located to the west at Locarno Beach (with waters warmed by the sands of Spanish Bank) or to the east at the Jericho Beach swim area.
If you see someone swimming in this area please let them know (the area is well signed) or inform the JSCA office or a Jericho Rescue Team member.
Jericho Sailing Centre Association
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1900H
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association’s 51st Annual General Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1900H in the English Bay Room of the Jericho Sailing Centre and online. The 2023/2024 JSCA 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 access community centre.
Call for Nominations
Voting will take place to elect seven members for a two-year term to our 15 member Board of Directors. The JSCA 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 JSCA Nominations Committee c/o the Jericho office no later than 1700H, Tuesday, October 8. The nomination letter must include your name, address and telephone number. For additional information contact Mike Cotter, JSCA General Manager 604-224-4177 or email mike@jsca.bc.ca.
WILDLIFE NOTICE: Don’t Feed the Rabbits
Feral rabbits populate the grassy areas around Jericho Beach. People often try to handle and feed them. These interactions pose serious health threats to the animals and the public.
Wildlife feeding is prohibited across all Vancouver parks and beaches, and can incur a fine of up to $500. Not only is feeding feral rabbits unhealthy for them, when they gather around feeding areas they also become more vulnerable to predators and can more easily spread disease. Food left out for rabbits attracts mice and rats which can lead to infestations and further opportunities for spreading diseases like Hantavirus. Rabbits carry pests and parasites such as ticks, which can transmit deadly diseases to humans and dogs such as Lyme Disease.
Any incidents of wildlife feeding should be reported immediately by calling 311 or using the Van311 app. For more information on Vancouver’s wildlife and tips on peaceful coexistence, visit: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/wildlife.aspx
SAFETY NOTICE: RVYC Yacht Club Breakwater Construction
Dear Members and Guests of the Jericho Sailing Centre,
Please be advised that construction work is currently underway on the Breakwater at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Jericho Marina. We have noticed that some of your members, including children, have been paddling close to the barges.
For everyone’s safety, please keep clear of the barges and construction zone at all times.
Important Safety Information:
- Exercise Caution: Abide by all posted signage.
- Construction Zone: Do not enter the construction zone.
- Work Schedule: Construction work is conducted Monday to Friday. There is no work on Saturdays or Sundays.
If you have any enquiries, please contact Marine Assets & Operations Manager, Chris Barnett, at chris.barnett@royalvan.com.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of all members and guests.
Sincerely,
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
Foiler Alert!
Foiling Craft at Jericho can draw more than 1m (3.3′) of water when they are not foiling and we recommend launching between Ramps 2 & 3.
Jericho Club Partners
One of the best ways to enjoy recreational ocean access on Vancouver’s largest playground is to join one of the community based clubs based out of 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.
For more info. on all JSCA Affiliated Clubs surf over to Clubs @ Jericho
Galley Patio and Grill
Best view of Vancouver in Vancouver
Galley hours:
Open 7 days a week
Monday-Friday: 1130am-8pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 11am-8pm
Jericho Compound Notes
Environment Stewardship VS Foam Blocks
Almost 20 years ago, as the West Nile Virus was migrating across Canada to BC, the JSCA amended our storage policy to remove tires from the Jericho Sailing Centre compound which people were using to store boats on. They were prime breeding grounds for mosquitos and we thought we’d found a pretty good solution replacing them with recycled foam blocks which were used to grow tree and shrub seedlings and for other landscaping purposes. Two decades later, we’re that much more environmentally evolved and see that these foam blocks break down and deteriorate into tiny foam pebbles which ultimately end up in the ocean for which we all share a great affinity. The JSCA has set a goal to remove all foam blocks, and portions thereof, from our compound this year.
We’re asking all JSCA craft owners to work together with our staff and volunteer crew to help us achieve this goal. Please provide an environmentally friendly solution that suits your craft (see examples below) and return your styrofoam block to the recycling area beside the east building entrance.
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.
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 possible
14. Be cautious of pathway traffic when launching/retrieving
15. Do not leave your craft on the shoreline for extended periods of time
16. Stay at least 300M clear of ships at anchor in Vancouver Harbour & construction at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
17. Be aware of the low water hazard (<4′) wharf remnants between ramps #3 & #4.
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.