In the wind: August 20, 2025
Vancouver SUP Challenge This Sunday @ Jericho
The annual Vancouver SUP Challenge takes place this Sunday, August 24 immediately west of the Jericho Pier. To register or for more information paddle over to SUP Dock?
This will be the first time since 2021 that the Jericho Pier will be available for viewing this very exciting and splashly event. If you aren’t a participant plan to come down and enjoy the pineapple sweet Hawaiian surf slide guitar sounds of the Swagmen whilst watching Vancouver’s best SUP paddlers stirring up the big soup.
The Schedule
- 1:00pm – Late Registration & Check In
- 2:00pm – 5k Distance Race (leash + PFD required as it could be windy)
- 2:45pm – Musical interlude (The Swagmen)
- 4:00pm – 2k SUP Technical Race
- 5:00pm – 3 person X 500 Relay
- 7:00pm – LOGBALL World Championships and Awards
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:
Gary Parsons’
“Jericho Oceanman”
Mysteriously Morphs
Then Evolves into the Annual Vancouver SUP Challenge
The Jericho Oceanman was a uniquely Vancouver ocean event created by long time JSCA Member and Head Guard of the Jericho Beach Lifeguard Station, Gary Parsons (above). As the legend goes, Gary was day dreaming in his guard chair under the hot sun one day without his lifeguard hat on and came up with the idea for an event which included a 6km paddle, 1km swim, 8km run and a “Mystery Event”. More often than not the Mystery Event involved blowing up an air mattress (a mid-race exhausting exercise) and hand paddling it around a bouy. One year, as Windsure Windsurfing was introducing Vancouver’s first SUP programs at Jericho, I suggested Gary make stand-up paddling the Mystery Event. The sport was still in it’s infancy so Gary convinced Windsure Windsurfing Owner Bernard Labrosse to sponsor the event with enough windsurfing boards and long paddles to make it happen. It was a resounding success and the Mystery Event was replaced with SUP as a fixture leg of the event. By 2012 the Jericho Oceanman became a stand alone SUP event and was soon renamed the Vancouver SUP Challenge, and the rest as they say, is history. Gary himself remains as the real Jericho Oceanman, a surf short, sandal clad holy man; a sun bleach blonde, shore break curly headed paddling Guru of the sea, and still the Head Guard at the Jericho Beach Lifeguard Station. Gary’s wife Shannon, sons Ocean and Sky are all professional Vancouver Beach Lifeguards and top notch competitive SUP paddlers.
UBC Engineering Students Test Launch POLARIS from Jericho
UBC Engineering Students Test Launch POLARIS from Jericho
Students from the UBC Sailbot program test launched their latest autonomous sailboat POLARIS at the Jericho Sailing Centre last Saturday afternoon. The program’s Mechanical Team Lead, Ella Knowles, who moonlights as a sailing instructor for the UBC Sailing Club, lead her crew of engineering students to the friendly waters off Jericho to see if their ideas would hold water; and they did. Remote steering-check. Autonomous sailing-check.
POLARIS is a 3-metre fully autonomous sailboat designed to collect oceanic and atmospheric data in the Pacific Ocean. The main objectives of the program are:
- to utilize technology to help improve ocean conservation advocacy,
- to help monitor the health of the ocean and to,
- to empower communities to take action in improving local sustainability.
Of course these objectives align well with the aims and objectives of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association so we easily agreed to facilitate the test launch. I did however, have to caution Ella that the last UBC Sailbot test launched at Jericho, Ada ended up lost at sea for 18 months in the Atlantic Ocean.
To learn more about POLARIS click UBC Sailbot
To hear about Ada’s story click Lost at Sea
Cascadia Rowing Beach Sprints and Rowing Marathon
Saturday features an ocean rowing beach sprint event where land and rowing sprints are combined in a head to head format. Sunday features a marathon style distance race. More information including registration will be available at www.cascadiaregatta.ca
Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre Celebrates 50 Years!
Your Ship Has Come In!
If you’ve been waiting for your special order limited edition Jericho Sailing Centre 50th Anniversary T-shirt come to the JSCA office.
Limited Edition Jericho Sailing Centre 50th Anniversary T-shirts are back in stock now at the JSCA office while supplies last.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Jericho Sailing Centre Association
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1900H
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association’s 52nd Annual General Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1900H. The 2024/2025 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 eight 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 14. The nomination letter must include your name, address and telephone number. For additional information contact Maya Tatuch, JSCA Administrative Manager 604-224-4177 or email admin@jsca.bc.ca.
JUST ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER FOR YOUTH CAMPS@ 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
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
Cascadia Rowing Regatta August 30 & 31
Tasar BC’s September 6 & 7
End of Summer Regatta September 13 & 14
UBCREC Day of the Longboat
ALSO IN SEPTEMBER….
UBCREC Day of the Longboat
- Clinic weekend September 20 & 21
- Event weekend September 27 & 28
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.
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.
BAD Dollies!!! Please Be Considerate of Others
Do not leave your dolly on the beach where it blocks side access to ramps. Beach cats and others need this space kept clear. The yellow JSCA dollies are for communal use and must be returned to the fence immediately after use. Do not store boats on our communal dollies for extended periods.
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
Upcoming Low Water Levels (<4′) of concern:
Date: Time: Ft.
August 21 11:01H 2.3′
August 22 11:45H 2.5′
August 23 12:25H 3.1′
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