In the wind: August 13, 2025
2025 Rum Runner Regatta
This Weekend @ Jericho
There once was a time when rum runners avoided Jericho Beach like the plague.
During prohibition in the United States, the flying boat crews of the Jericho Beach Air Station, the previous occupant of the Jericho Sailing Centre site, often assisted Canada Customs in their quest to inhibit the illicit flow of demon alcohol to our teetotaler dominated, thirsty southern neighbours.
This weekend F18 Cats will be sailing fast, as is their custom, in the Annual Rum Runner Regatta. We welcome our American friends to register tariff free!
There will be a distance race on Saturday starting at 1230H.
The F18 fleet will roll into our regular Sunday Racing program at 1230H on Sunday.
For F18 Rum Runner Regatta Notice of Race smuggle your mouse over to: speakeasy
Regular Sunday Racing as usual at 1230H on Rum Runner weekend!
Jericho Sailing Centre announces a new General Manager
To take the helm September 15
Dear JSCA Members, former members and all Jericho Sailing Centre users:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, and after an extensive candidacy review, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dominique Labrosse as the next General Manager of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association (JSCA).
Dominique has been a long-standing and highly respected member of the JSCA community, bringing with him a deep understanding of our operations, a collaborative leadership style, and a clear vision for JSCA’s future. We are confident that Dominique’s blend of operational insight, stakeholder diplomacy, and strategic thinking will serve our Association well in the years ahead. Dominique’s first official day in his new capacity will be September 15, 2025.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who applied for the position—especially our internal candidates. The strength and dedication of our applicants made for a very difficult decision and is a testament to the calibre of leadership JSCA has cultivated within its ranks.
Dominique is currently away on a short, pre-planned vacation and will return to the Centre on August 15. Upon his return, he will begin working closely with our current General Manager, Mike Cotter, to support a thoughtful and seamless transition of leadership. We encourage all members to join us in warmly welcoming Dominique into his new role and offering him their full support during this important time.
As we look to the future, we must also take time to honour the past. After an incredible 37 years of service, Mike Cotter will be retiring from his post as General Manager on September 30, 2025. His contributions to JSCA have been nothing short of extraordinary—shaping not only the Centre’s operations, but its culture, community spirit, and long-term sustainability. Mike has positioned us for continued success and leaves behind a legacy we are deeply proud of.
While we are sad to see Mike step down, we are heartened to know he plans to remain close to the Centre and continue participating as an active member. We encourage you all to take the opportunity in the coming weeks to thank Mike personally for his exceptional service and to help make Dominique feel at home in his new leadership role.
The Board will be sharing more information shortly on ways we will collectively celebrate and acknowledge Mike’s retirement. Stay tuned for those announcements.
Sincerely,
Chris Stairs
President, Board of Directors
Jericho Sailing Centre Association
SAFETY NOTICE Wear Your PFD
Looking back-JSCA’s New GM Featured in a 2024 Interview CBC Vancouver visited the Jericho Sailing Centre last August to talk to JSCA Safety and Events Manager Dominique Labrosse about water safety in light of then new data regarding recreational boating drownings. See our next GM representing JSCA at this link: CBC Vancouver News 2024 Drowning Report
Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre Celebrates 50 Years!
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:
The Adaptive Sailing Association was founded by Sam Sullivan back in 1989. The first boat, later named The Iron Lady, was donated to Rick Hanson during his Man in Motion world tour in 1986 by UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Rick gave it to Sam on the condition that he start a sailing program for people with disabilities. Sam approached local sailing organizations and was turned away until he landed at the Jericho Sailing Centre. I was here that day Sam, Brent Foote and Mike Stiles rolled the Iron Lady into Jericho for their first test sail. The wind was 15-18 Knots. Coming from a more traditional boating background, I didn’t think sending disabled people out in sailing dinghies was a good idea and I said so at that time. Fortunately, I was the new guy then and no one listened to me. It didn’t take long for Sam and our adaptive sailing community to convince me that this was indeed a good idea. I have been inspired by their program and have joyfully eaten those initial words every day ever since. From Jericho Sailing Centre Sam’s program spread across Canada and around the world. On August 12, 2025 Sam and I enjoyed our first sail together, after all these years, in 20 knots of wind. We had such a blast it will be one of the many highlights of my time at Jericho.
Mike Cotter JSCA General Manager 1988-2025
More photos in the Photographs and Memories Gallery
JUST TWO WEEKS LEFT FOR YOUTH CAMPS
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
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.
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 16 05:56H 3.8′
August 17 06:58H 3.3′
August 18 08:05H 2.9′
August 19 09:11H 2.6′
August 20 10:10H 2.4′
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.
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