In the wind: June 18, 2025
Whale Day at JSCA
The day started routinely enough. Last Saturday morning JSCA member Tom appeared at the office window and reported that a humpback whale had snuck up behind him while kayaking off Stanley Park and startled him with a loud blow. As a responsible, respectful sea mammal lover, Tom immediately stopped paddling and did the only things he could: enjoy the natural rush and catch some images with his phone which are included below in our Jericho Sailing Centre Whale Day gallery. Doesn’t happen all the time, but not completely unusual.
The completely unusual showed up a few hours later while Jericho Rescue Team and Vancouver Lifeguard Association members who had wrapped up safety support for the Vancouver T100 Triathlon Pro Women’s swim leg were preparing to come off the water for a break before the next race. The office received a call from the Jericho Beach Lifeguard Station informing us that Orcas were heading our way. Before the words could sink in, there they were: a pod of Orcas swimming around our safety crews, and regular Jericho users; kayakers, sailors, windsurfers and even a Tri swimmer practicing for Sunday’s event. They frolicked and loitered for several minutes; a whale show that none of the witnesses will ever forget. (especially the windsurfer self rescuing in the above photo.) The beach, Galley Patio and Jericho Pier were crowded with stunned and delighted onlookers. Several people took pictures and videos which you can enjoy in our Jericho Sailing Centre Whale Day gallery.
See anyone you Know?
There are about 700 swimmers in this photo taken during the Age Group Sprint swim of the Vancouver T100 Triathlon last Sunday. Tom D. is down there somewhere; Maryam too!
Dozens of Vancouver Lifeguard Association members and about a dozen Jericho Rescue Team members kept swimmers safe during the Vancouver T100 Triathlon swim competition on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Friday practice session. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event possible! Full coverage of Saturday’s Pro events can be found at Vancouver T100 Triathlon
Road Closure Notice – Vancouver Half Marathon
Road closures, parking restrictions and traffic delays on Sunday, June 22 4am-Noon for more information visit their website at www.vancouverhalf.com
BAILIFF AUCTION Saturday, June 21 Noon
It has come down to this: JSCA’s annual action of unpaid (and donated) craft. You can see the photos online at Bailiff. Craft will be available for in person viewing June 20.
Rookie Racing Seminar – demystifying sail boat racing – June 21 @ 1900H – 2030H
Always wanted race but are confused by all the flags, horns, marks and the rules? This seminar will go over all of this for you and give you enough information to get out on the start line at one of our regular series. Generally held Saturday evenings so that you can get out on the race course during Sunday Racing the following day.
This seminar is free for JSCA members but registration is still required. Please call or email the JSCA office to register.
Try Sail GP style
An opportunity for racers to try Sail GP style reaching starts and legs instead of just upwind and downwind racing. This style of racing may be more suited to high performance and foiling craft but is open to all Jericho style sail craft. Series runs on one Saturday in each of May and June. First signal is at 13:30H. JSCA members participate with no further cost to their membership. Guests pay the JSCA day launch fee of $10/day. Registration and scoring are available at jracing.org. Only registered boats will be scored. Competitors are encouraged to register. For those sailors using club boats and are unsure of their sail number before racing begins, registration can happen both before and after the event.
Notice of Race click here
Sailing Instructions click here
Registration at jracing.org
Jericho Sailing Centre — 50 Years of Photographs & Memories
For five decades, the Jericho Sailing Centre and the surrounding Salish Sea have been at the heart of countless unforgettable moments, captured in stunning photographs and memorable sea stories. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re inviting members and users—past and present—to share your favourite photos and stories in our online Jericho Sailing Centre 50th Anniversary Photographs & Memories Gallery.
Whether your memories are from the early days or just last weekend, they’re all part of Jericho’s abounding history—and we want to include them.
Each week throughout the summer, we’ll spotlight a featured photo submitted in the previous week in our “in the wind” newsletter.
To view the gallery: Photographs & Memories
To submit your own: My Jericho
This Week’s Photo Feature:
Remember that time we saved Jericho Beach?
From 1940 to 2010 the beach area east of the Jericho Sailing Centre was inaccessible, covered by a 4 acre concrete marginal wharf perched on 500 creosote soaked pilings. In 2007 the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation conducted a public consultation process which resulted in the decision to demolish the wharf to returning the beach to its natural configuration; a result JSCA strongly advocated for. Not everybody was happy with this decision. A group calling themselves “Save Jericho Wharf” formed, was active in the 2008 civic election and convinced the newly elected Park Board to reverse the previous board’s decision. The JSCA formed a counter campaign “Save Jericho Beach” advocating for the environment and more access to beach space. The lines were drawn, and when the dust finally settled… well, you can see thousands of beach goers enjoying the liberated beach space every year. It is a great place to launch kayaks, SUP’s and other craft when the westerly winds and waves make conditions unsafe in front of the centre.
The first photo shows the marginal wharf intact.
The second photo shows JSCA GM Mike Cotter and then Club Locarno Commodore, Jen Weterings sporting “Save Jericho Beach” buttons which were widely distributed.
The third photo shows our crew, including Jen, Mike, JSCA President Gail Owen, up to their shins in mud with the Save Jericho Beach banner. The forth photo shows the “saved” section of Jericho Beach to the left of the Jericho Sailing Centre. JSCA members were instrumental in returning this area to a natural beach.
FIRST NARROWS TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONE
Safety Notice to All Users of the Jericho Sailing Centre & any other non-motor power craft users in Vancouver
“Vessel-related restrictions
All pleasure craft and sailing vessels must be under mechanical power when transiting through the First Narrows traffic control zone. It is prohibited to enter or transit through the First Narrows traffic control zone on board a personal watercraft, including jet skis and non-motorized vessels, such as sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.”
Boater’s Handbook the essentials of informed navigation within the Port of Vancouver.
Boaters’ Handbook
Your go-to guide for safe navigation within the Port of Vancouver
Navigating Vancouver’s busy harbour just got safer and easier thanks to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s new Boaters’ Handbook. The handbook is the ultimate reference—and a one-stop shop—for essential safety information, from how to operate within confined and restrictive waterways, to the radio channels to monitor and speed limits to follow throughout the port authority’s jurisdiction. Whether you’re boating or paddling in Burrard Inlet or the Fraser River, the Boaters’ handbook is your go-to to stay safe, informed, and enjoy your time on the water this summer.
Access the Boaters’ Handbook today on the port authority’s website. To receive the latest information on boating safety within the waters of the Port of Vancouver, including handbook updates, subscribe to the port authority’s newsletter, here.
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 50 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
Weekly Racing Events @ Jericho
Jericho Wavechaser Paddle Race Series
Thursdays 1900H
Sunday Racing
Sail racing non-regatta Sundays Now – August 31 1230H
Sunday Racing will start at 1300H on June 22 to allow our participants time to navigate marathon traffic.
Tuesday Night Racing
Sail racing every Tuesday at 1815H.
Please remember to register for sail events at jracing.org.
Full 2025 JSCA Event Schedule & info: Jericho Events.
2025 Regattas
Canadian Fireball Championships June 28-30 More info.
ILCA Pacific Coast Championships July 5 & 6 More info.
Andy Hunt Celebrational Regatta July 19 & 20
Rum Runner Regatta August 16 & 17
Cascadia Rowing Regatta August 30 & 31
Tasar BC’s September 6 & 7
End of Summer Regatta September 13 & 14
Jericho Pier Reopens
Severely damaged by storms and drift logs in November 2021 and January 2022, the Jericho Pier was reopened by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation last Thursday. The pier was crowded on Saturday and Sunday with swimfans cheering on athletes in the Vancouver T100 Triathlon.
Galley Patio and Grill
Great food and the best view of Vancouver in Vancouver
Now open 7 days a week:
Monday-Friday 1130H-2100H
Saturday 1100H-2100H
Sunday 1100H-2030H
weather depending
Recognizing the current tariff situation between Canada and the United States, The Galley Patio and Grill has proactively adjusted our menu to prioritize Canadian ingredients and workers. You’ll now find delicious BC Rockfish in our Galley Fish N’ Chips and Baja Fish Tacos, replacing the Alaskan Cod. Also, we won’t be offering Sweet Potato Fries this summer due to the unavailability of a Canadian-grown option. We will continue to monitor this situation, making changes whenever possible, and we thank you for your understanding and support.
Kind Regards,
—
Keith McDonald
Managing Partner
The Galley Patio & Grill @ Jericho Sailing Centre
Jericho Sailing Centre Vancouver’s Best Staycation Location
100% Canadian Fun, No Passport Required
Rethinking your U.S. vacation plans thanks to some “tariffying” news and expansionist views from the south? Skip the border stress and discover the best of Vancouver right here at home with staycation adventures launched from the Jericho Sailing Centre.
This spring and summer, climb aboard with our Club and School partners to try something new—or reconnect with the ocean in a whole new way:
Try a new sport – Learn wing surfing, wind foiling, paddling, rowing or classic dinghy sailing.
Get competitive – Join our learn-to-race programs and find your sea legs in weekly racing series.
Just relax – Enjoy the salty breeze and unbeatable views on Vancouver’s largest playground.
We’re celebrating 50 years of providing ocean recreation, facilities, and community programs to the people of Vancouver—and there’s never been a better time to join our crew.
Stay local. Stay active. Stay Canadian.
Visit jsca.bc.ca to learn more and start planning your best summer ever—without crossing the border.
Sign up now for Jericho Sailing Centre affiliated Club and School Programs
For more information, surf Jericho Clubs & Schools.
Do you own your own boat or are Considering Buying? We have currently have plenty of ground and rack storage space available for small, naturally powered craft but expect to sell out by the summer. For more information surf Craft Storage or contact the JSCA Office (604) 224-4177.
Limited Time Offer: 15% Off Paddle Canada Kayaking Lessons for JSCA Members
Now Until June 30
Looking to build your kayaking skills or take them to the next level? For a limited time, JSCA members receive 15% off all Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 courses offered at Jericho Beach Kayak!
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, this is a great opportunity to learn from certified instructors to gain confidence on the water and work towards your next certification.
About the Courses:
Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking Certification
This course covers all the basics of kayaking, including equipment, strokes and assisted re-entries. Participants will also learn solo re-entries to ensure they’re equipped with key safety skills for solo paddling.
Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Certification This course builds on what you learned in the basic course, introducing more advanced techniques and scenarios to get you ready for day trips!
This offer is only available until June 30, so don’t miss out and secure your spot today! Use code: JSCA2JBK to apply the 15% discount: https://jerichobeachkayak.com/kayak-lessons/paddle-canada-courses/ **A valid JSCA membership must be provided to confirm your eligibility for the discount.**
Jericho FIVE-0
Jericho Sailing Centre – 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, July 12 | Starting at 1100H | Jericho Sailing Centre
We’re marking 50 years of ocean adventure, community spirit, and coastal fun—and we want you to be part of the celebration!
Makin’ Waves Relay & Cardboard Boat Fun Race – 1100H
Sponsored by the Great Little Box Company
Get ready for a wild and wacky relay like no other! Teams will be made up of similar craft from across Jericho fleets and clubs (F18, Hobie 18, Vanguard, Tasar, Quest, ILCA, windsurfer, surfski, OC-1, kayak, SUP). While one team member races each leg, the others will build a cardboard boat—with materials provided!
The finale? Race your handcrafted cardboard creation around a nearshore marker and back! Collaboration, creativity, and comedy guaranteed.
Live Music, Food & Festivities – All Day
The Swagmen live on stage, BBQ, prize draws, family friendly activities.
Anniversary Celebration Ceremony-Afternoon
Join Jericho members, guests and local dignitaries as we:
Cut our 50th anniversary cake
Unveil a special commemorative plaque
Celebrate with speeches, memories, and community pride
Volunteer Reception – Evening
Upstairs in the Burrard Room
A special evening honoring all of the volunteers who made these first 50 years possible with music, a nostalgic slideshow, a gathering of past & present community contributors.
Calling All JSCA Members and Partner Clubs!
We need your participation to make this milestone unforgettable. Bring your team spirit to the race, enjoy the festivities, and represent the Jericho Sailing Centre with pride. Please email JSCA Safety & Events Manager Dominique Labrosse at events@jsca.bc.ca to RSVP. Let us know how many participants (and boats) you or your club would like to have for the July 12th celebration. We’ll be forming teams based on the participants and craft available, and we’ll follow up in May for more specific commitments.
2025 Canadian ILCA Pacific Coast Masters Championship Regatta
Relish the Vibe!
Based on requests from competitors who sailed Canadian ILCA Masters Championship regattas at Jericho in 2022 and 2024 Jericho is again hosting an ILCA Masters regatta, this year the Pacific Coast Championships. As in 2024 in order to attract out of town competitors we are working to offer charter boats and accommodation to interested sailors. We hope the whole of the JSCA community can be part of and support the event by:
- If you have a racing condition ILCA or Laser and are too young to participate or won’t be able to join in, please consider chartering your boat. Contact Greg Speakman, gregspeakman@gmail.com
- If you would be able to provide a place for a guest to stay for 3 nights in early July, please contact Andrew Burton through WhatsApp at 403 370 7856.
Also, we are encouraging local sailors who have not before raced is large ILCA events to participate in the ‘PCCs’. All competitors will need to be members of ILCA North America, the class association responsible for the overall promotion, growth and management of ILCA racing in North America. See ilcanasailing.org. It is a great organization, and has a super informative web site.
If you live in BC, are 30 years old or older, will be sailing the PCCs, and will be a first-time member of ILCA NA please contact one of the regatta organizers for more information on support available to reduce the cost of joining ILCA NA.
Bob Ennenberg bennenberg@gmail.com
Tony Martin 2tony.martin@gmail.com
Greg Speakman gregspeakman@gmail.com
SAFETY NOTICE – upcoming Low Water Levels (<4′) of concern
Date: Time: Ft.
June 21 0900H 3.7′
June 22 0946H 2.2′
June 23 1033H 1.2′
June 24 1121H 0.6′
June 25 1209H 0.4′
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 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.
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