In the wind: July 16, 2025
Jericho Sailing Centre: Vancouver’s Best Staycation Location
This Saturday over English Bay
Honda Celebration of Light Fireworks
The annual Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to Vancouver skies this Saturday over English Bay. If fireworks turn you on, “HCoL” is a perfect accent to three Vancouver mid-summer night eves right in the sweet spot of summer. The fireworks are best viewed from English Bay Beach. Kits Beach offers a next best view with Jericho accommodating the cheap seats – distant view but easier parking and disembarking when the show ends. Seating at the Jericho Patio and Grill is tough to find after 2030H. The rooftop deck will be open to JSCA members & their accompanying guests (60 maximum) with security in place to enforce no alcohol or smoking/vaping. The three show dates are July 19, 23 & 26; Start time 2215H.
- 18:30 – Canadian Forces Snowbirds non aerobatic display (on July 19 + 23 only)
- 22:00 – Drone Show
- 22:15 – Fireworks Performance
For more information on the Celebration of Light fire up their website at: http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/
SAFETY NOTICE: HCoL Fireworks = Extreme Marine Hazard
One of the most dangerous situations for operators of small water craft in Vancouver occurs at the conclusion of each Celebration of Light fireworks show. Hundreds of powerboats are hastily heading for home in all different directions and the sea surface is filled with crossing boat chop on waves. Lights from boats and downtown reflect everywhere and a kayak, canoe, rowboat or other small vessel is almost impossible to see, even if the power vessel Skipper hasn’t been drinking, and in some cases, they have.
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association strongly advises our members and other small, naturally powered craft users to not put themselves in this vulnerable position. If you choose to be out there, please ensure you are displaying the proper navigational lights and remember that the Coast Guard and other safety boats will have their hands full and may not even be able to locate your craft within the boating frenzy if you need them. Also remember, that you the Skipper, as always, are solely responsible for your safety and that of your crew.
Heatwave? Jericho Sailing Centre is always the Coolest Place in Vancouver
PARKING NOTICE: Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Parking will be tight this weekend as the annual event flip flops in Birkenstocks back to Jericho Beach Park Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.
Andy Hunt Celebration Regatta
This Weekend @ Jericho Sailing Centre
This weekend the JSCA celebrates a longtime Jericho racer and prolific volunteer, Andy Hunt, with a two day sailing regatta named in his honour. For more than 20 years Andy volunteered tirelessly with JSCA, the Jericho Laser Fleet, Adaptive Sailing Association and other sailing organizations within the Jericho Sailing Centre and beyond, to share his love of sail boat racing and get as many people on the race course as possible.
In addition to the regular JSCA racing fleets, this regatta will include a Fun Class for those who are looking for a less competitive experience.
A Rookie Racing Seminar is scheduled for Friday evening at 1900H and beginner racers are encouraged to participate. Please RSVP for the Rookie Racing Seminar at the JSCA office by email at info@jsca.bc.ca or by phone at 604.224.4177.
A regatta meal will be featured on Saturday evening and is included in the regatta fees. Registration available at jracing.org.
A regatta meal will be featured on Saturday evening and is included in the regatta fees. Additional meals can be purchased at the JSCA office for $20. For complete event info. scooch over to: Andy Volunteers have always put the wind in the sails of the Jericho Sailing Centre. This weekend, as we celebrate Andy Hunt, we celebrate all of our volunteers, past, present & future: Thank you from the bottom of our hulls!
Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre Celebrates 50 Years!
The Jericho Sailing Centre community celebrated 50 years of providing low-cost, highly accessible, non-taxpayer-funded programs, facilities, and services to the people of Vancouver last Saturday with a day of festivities.
On the water, paddlers, rowers, dinghy sailors, windsurfers, wingers, and foiling craft pilots autographed English Bay with hundreds of wakes. Vancouver fireboats gave a sprinkler show, while other on-water guests included the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, RCM-SAR, and the Canadian Lifeboat Institute. Forty-four Jericho members cobbled together relay teams of Jericho-style craft, culminating in a cardboard boat race. The Pacific Lifesaving Club also gave a lifeguard competition demonstration.
On shore, our community vibe pulsed to the surf guitar rhythms of The Swagmen while a fresh westerly breeze swept through the day. Landside guests included the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s rooftop interpretation presentation and Parks Canada’s Whale Talk in the Plaza.
Then came the formal ceremony. Musqueam Councillor Alec Guerin provided the host nation welcome, explaining the importance of the water to his people and their historical willingness to share it with visitors who demonstrated good intentions (sounds like us, doesn’t it?).
The Sea Dragon Sea Scouts came out in full force and full dress uniform to perform their flag-raising ceremony, simultaneously hoisting the British Columbia and Canadian flags. They then led everyone in singing our national anthem.
Jericho Sailing Centre President Chris Stairs welcomed everyone to Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre, sharing highlights from our fifty-year history and thanking all of our community partners, volunteers, members, and guests.
Sam Sullivan, former Vancouver Mayor and founder of the Adaptive Sailing Association, recounted how UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher donated their first adaptive sailboat to Rick Hansen during his Man in Motion tour. Rick gave the boat to Sam, who pitched an adaptive program to local yacht clubs-where the reception was less than positive. When Sam arrived at the Jericho Sailing Centre, he knew he had found a welcoming home for his program, which soon spread across Canada and around the world.
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Scott Jensen spoke about the successful 50 year partnership between the Park Board and the non-taxpayer-funded JSCA in delivering a unique mix of low-cost ocean recreation opportunities to the people of Vancouver.
British Columbia Premier David Eby praised the Jericho Sailing Centre’s contributions to ocean safety and its role in the reopening of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station. “Whatever happened to that government who closed it?” the Premier wondered, noting that the station was reopened with better facilities and capabilities than before its temporary closure. He also highlighted Jericho’s welcoming community atmosphere and gave special praise to The Galley’s nachos and ice cream. Vancouver Quadra Member of Parliament Wade Grant, the first Musqueam member elected to the Canadian Parliament, emphasized the importance of public access to the ocean provided by the Jericho Sailing Centre-especially for the thousands of youth who participate in our programs each year. MP Grant himself was introduced to sailing at Jericho when his Grade 11 class came here.
President Stairs and our dignitary guests then unveiled a 50-year commemorative plaque incorporating a design by Jericho member Cecelia Vasco. It will hang in the Centre with space beside it for our 100-year commemorative plaque.
Then came the serious business of the Jericho Sailing Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration Cake. After a ceremonial cake cut by our dignitary crew, Cake Captains Rowena and Tara Butler, daughters of one of JSCA’s first presidents, Syd Butler, led a volunteer cake crew that served over 400 pieces of cake in just a few minutes.
During the evening, current and former Jericho Sailing Centre volunteers, whose involvement spanned over six decades from the mid-seventies to 2025, gathered in the Burrard Room to swap sea stories and share fond remembrances.
The cardboard boat race was more about laughing and swimming than boating.
Thanks to The Great Little Box Company for sponsoring.
Thanks also to our other sponsors: Jericho Beach Kayak; MacSailing; Windsure Adventure Sports; The Galley Patio & Grill and Mustang Survival.
Limited Edition Jericho Sailing Centre 50th Anniversary T-shirts are back in stock now at the JSCA office while supplies last.
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: Remembering Andy Hunt: The Heart of Jericho Racing
The Jericho Sailing Centre owes much of its success to a long tradition of dedicated volunteers—none more remarkable than Andy Hunt.
Andy’s passion was racing sailing dinghies, particularly Lasers (ILCAs). But he didn’t just race them—he elevated the sport for everyone around him. Over more than 20 years, Andy chaired the JSCA Programmes Committee and devoted his energy to organizing, supporting, and sometimes conducting over 100 regattas. As Principal Race Officer for dozens of those events, as well as countless Sunday and Tuesday night racing sessions, Andy became a fixture on the water. In fact, Jericho’s Race Committee boat Albatross came to be affectionately known as “Andy’s Office.”
His contributions didn’t stop there. Andy also served on the JSCA Board of Directors, Safety Committee, Planning Committee, and even spent time as a member of the Jericho Rescue Team. He represented the Jericho Sailing Centre at Vancouver Boat Shows, BC Sailing Annual Meetings, and acted as Jericho’s unofficial ambassador at regattas throughout British Columbia, Washington State, and beyond.
Andy was also a generous volunteer with the Adaptive Sailing Association, where he made many friends as an accompanying sailor, always offering support with a calm hand and a warm heart.
In 2018, Andy passed away following a brief but courageous battle with brain cancer. In recognition of his profound impact, fellow JSCA members launched the Andy Hunt Celebrational Regatta in 2019, an annual event that continues to honour his legacy. A plaque installed on Jericho’s committee boat reads simply: “Andy’s Office.”
This weekend, as sailors gather for the 2025 edition of the Celebrational Regatta, we remember and celebrate a man whose passion, leadership, and camaraderie helped shape the spirit of Jericho.
Summer Schools Now in Session @ Jericho Sailing Centre
MacSailing Sailing, canoeing, marine ecology and adventure camps where kids build confidence, learn about water safety, and explore. MacSailing Camps.
Jericho Beach Kayak
Give your kid the summer of a lifetime. There is no better way to spend the summer than to be at the beach and go kayaking. Jericho Beach Kayak Camps
Windsure
Introduce your kids to their new friends: the ocean, the wind and the sun….
Windsure Summer Camps
Also @ Jericho Sailing Centre
Vancouver Lifeguard Association Beach Alert Program!
The Vancouver Lifeguard Association is pleased to bring back the Beach Alert Program!
Lifesaving and First Aid training combined with Paddle Board and Kayak experience
Children 8-15 years old who can swim 50m will see their swimming and fitness improve combined with lifesaving and water safety training.
For details and registration please contact:
Programs@VancouverLifeguards.com and info@vancouverlifeguards.com
or phone 604-970-6860
We are always looking to add volunteers and instructors to our list. Instructors: Swim Instructor or LSI certifications. Volunteers: Ages 13+ eager to learn, enjoys the water, aspiring lifeguard & swim instructors. Contact info@vancouverlifeguards.com to express interest. Beach Alert Camps | Vancouver Lifeguards
Weekly Racing Events @ Jericho
Jericho Wavechaser Paddle Race Series
Thursdays 1900H
Sunday Racing
Sail racing non-regatta Sundays Now – August 31 1230H
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
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
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.
NO SWIMMING AND/OR WADING in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre
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, lifeguarded 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.
Wasp Warning!
Add wasp nests to your pre-launch boat check. Wasps are back, unseasonably early, and are building their nests amongst the boats stored at the Jericho Sailing Centre. A member once reported sailing out in the middle of English Bay wondering how all these wasps suddenly appeared out here, shortly before realizing they were coming from a nest inside his boat. Be alert for wasp activity while you are rigging and doing your pre-launch check.
Please notify the office if you encounter them.
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.
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.
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
SAFETY NOTICE – upcoming Low Water Levels (<4′) of concern
Date: Time: Ft.
July 21 0925H 2.0′
July 22 1019H 1.5′
July 23 1111H 1.2′
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.
Wharf remnants showing just below the surface at 0.0′ low tide on May 28 Photo: SeaOtter.
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.
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