In the wind: November 12, 2025
Congratulations to our Volunteer Award Winners and Lifetime Honorary Members
The Jericho Sailing Centre would be nothing without its volunteers. Much of what we enjoy today was built on the backs of members who have donated countless hours of both mental and physical effort over the last 50 years. During our Volunteer Appreciation and Racing Awards Dinner and again during the Annual General Meeting, we recognized the following members for their efforts. If you see these folks around be sure to say thanks and ask them about how you can help as a volunteer.
Tomo – Rookie of the Year
Tomo participated in our Rescue Team intake course at the end of April and has put in a significant amount of hours helping out with our regular on water programming, setting and pulling marks and providing safety coverage. We appreciate Tomo’s consistency and his quiet but positive attitude and smile. When not on our rescue boats or leading programmes with Jericho Beach Kayak, Tomo works full time selling wine. Ask him about his favourite pairings!
Liam – Andy Hunt Award
This award is given in memory of Andy Hunt. Andy loved to sail, race and spent innumerable hours volunteering not just for JSCA (our programmes committee chair for over 20 years!) but also for the ILCA fleet, KYC, Hollyburn and others. This award is given to people who race competitively but who also volunteer with their community in a significant way.
Liam has been active in both the Fireball fleet as a sailor and on the national fleet association board as well as a keen racer in the ILCA fleet. This year Liam organized his first regatta: The Canadian Fireball Championships!
Simon – Volunteer of the Year
Simon signed up for Jericho Rescue two years ago and since then has put in a huge amount of time on the water in our rescue boats. Some days he’ll even compete and end up in a support boat for the same event! Not only does Simon devote a huge amount of time, he also does so with a sense of positivity that seems near inextinguishable – thanks Simon!
During the Annual General Meeting we approved the recommendations by our Board of Directors to grant the following members lifetime honorary membership:
David Hendry – Honorary Lifetime membership
Our founding President, David Hendry did a huge amount of work leading up to the creation of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association. David led the Jericho Sailing Forum comprised of representatives of groups such as the Viking Sailing Club, UBC Sailing Club, Kits Yacht Club, BC Sailing and others. Finding consensus amongst the competing interests the Jericho Sailing Forum was the entity that worked with the Park Board to found our society in November of 1974. David served on our executive for several years and also founded Water Rats – our first sailing school.
Richard Spencer – Honorary Lifetime membership
Richard first shows up in our records as our Vice President in 1977-78. He was our President from 1978-1981, and has been involved with our board, committees and/or our programmes in one way or another up to today. Richard came to us as a Mirror dinghy sailor and quickly moved to the Tasar class of which he’s been an enthusiastic proponent ever since. A successful Tasar racer at the club, regional and world levels, Richard retired from sailing a few years ago. Despite this, he still maintains his membership and is active as the architect of jracing.org our online race scoring platform.
Mike Cotter – Honorary Lifetime membership
Mike succeeded Yvonne Gohl as our General Manager in 1988 and continued in the role until September 30 of this year, serving an unprecedented 37 years at the helm of our staff team. Working with an ever changing crew of directors on our board, Mike has guided us through seas both smooth and stormy, helped to welcome emerging sports, new clubs and business partners to our facility, and launched generations of summer students into the workforce with a positive and fun work experience. Thanks Mike for sacrificing all those weekends and evenings and for your tireless efforts over the last 37 years.
We’re Hiring: JSCA Safety and Events Manager
Do you know someone who lives for life on the water? The Jericho Sailing Centre is looking for a Safety and Events Manager to join our year-round team!
This is a dynamic, hands-on role – blending ocean safety, community leadership, and event coordination. The Safety and Events Manager helps keep English Bay safe and welcoming for everyone who launches from our facility, while also supporting the many sailing, paddling, rowing, and other events that make Jericho such a vibrant hub of safe accessible, ocean recreation.
From leading our volunteer rescue team and maintaining readiness of our safety fleet, to organizing regattas and community races, this role offers a unique mix of office, beach, and on-water work. It’s perfect for someone who thrives on teamwork, variety, and the ocean breeze.
For more information and to apply click here.
Committee Season – Help Shape Vancouver’s Ocean Community Centre
With the end of our event schedule, activity at the Jericho Sailing Centre shifts from the ocean to our meeting rooms, both physical and virtual. Committees are where much of the planning and decisions get made. If you are passionate about our programmes, our facility and our future, being involved on a JSCA committee is a great way to make a positive impact. Committees are open to all JSCA members.
Fleet Planning Committee meeting November 19 at 1900H
This is the meeting where our master event calendar is set for the year. If you are a racer in one of our fleets and want to bring an event to our schedule or want to see a change in our standard rules then this is the committee meeting for you. Participation this will be virtual.
Operations Committee meeting November 24 at 1900H
The Operations committee discusses the nuts and bolts of the facility. If you have an idea for facility improvement or just want to know more about how we tick this is for you. Participation will be virtual.
Safety Committee meeting November 27 at 1800H
Here we discuss our Rescue and Safety programmes, operational details about our fleet of craft and recognize our volunteers with promotions in responsibility. Jericho Rescue members are encouraged to attend but the meeting is open to all JSCA members.
If you would like to contribute to the Jericho Sailing Centre by participating in any of these committee meetings, please email us at info@jsca.bc.ca to be forwarded a Zoom meeting invitation link. Be sure to specify which meeting you’d like to attend.
False Creek Rowing Machine Programme is Back!
False Creek Rowing Club is back at Jericho this off-season. Membership in the erg programme is open to all.
Off-season fitness training at the Jericho Sailing Centre
The False Creek Rowing Club is delighted to begin hosting a rowing machine programme as a partner of the JSCA from the beginning of November to the end of March.
We would like to invite all members of the JSC community to learn generally about rowing, and particularly how the ergometer can be an excellent fitness resource for all ages. Introductory sessions will be held on Wednesdays during November at 6pm. If you want to come and try for free, please get in touch with us in advance.
Coached erg workouts will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm from the beginning of November until the end of March. In addition, joining this program will give you access to the rowing machines on your own time. For more information, please visit https://falsecreekrowingclub.ca/row-with-us/erging/. The programme will cost $325 in coaching fees + $55.90 Rowing BC and Rowing Canada fees + $125.28 if you aren’t already a member of Jericho Sailing Centre Association.
If you have questions, please contact us via email at questions@falsecreekrowingclub.ca
Batten Down the Hatches – Storm Season is Upon Us
It’s time to winterize your craft. Drains need to be unclogged, craft need to be secured, furled sails need to be de-rigged, kayaks and canoes should be stored upside down. When did you last check your boat?
Every off season, vicious wind and rain storms rip through the Jericho Sailing Centre compound looking for loose tarps, boat covers and poorly stowed gear. When they find a loose tarp they can turn a hibernating boat into a flying projectile potentially damaging neighbouring craft. Members are responsible for ensuring they have “battened down the hatches” on their equipment stored at the Jericho Sailing Centre. If your boat causes damage to neighbouring craft you can be held liable.
We encourage you to check your craft regularly year round, particularly before & after gnarly windstorms. It’s time to winterize your craft. De-rig furled sails that can blow lose and flog in heavy winds. Remove any parts or equipment that can be easily removed (most thefts occur between Oct.-April). Hull and cockpit drains should be checked and unclogged. Make sure water doesn’t collect inside your hull or cockpit – if it freezes and expands it can cause major damage. Kayaks, canoes and other racked boats without hull or cockpit drains should be stored upside down so that water does not accumulate inside. Not only does the extra water weight threaten the health of our racks it can have disastrous effects on on your craft. We’ve seen kayaks break in half from the weight of accumulated water.
OFF SEASON PAY PARKING PASSES
Seasonal passes for October 1 – March 31 are available from EasyPark via their email: mp@easypark.ca, with the subject ”Jericho Seasonal Pass Lot 69”; in the email body include: your full name, phone number, licence plate, make and model of the vehicle.
All net parking revenues go to the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to allow them to fund park amenities, such as the Jericho Pier.
SAFETY NOTICE: Dwindling Daylight, Wind Shuts Off, Minimal Rescue Resources
Any sailor finding themselves in this situation would be hoping they brought a paddle.
Now that the clocks have turned back, sunset is coming before 1700H. 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 pushing daylight is: never sail further away from home port than you would care to paddle; and, always carry your legally required paddle.
This fall on windy evenings we’ve noticed some folks sailing well into twilight hours. Sailing Jericho style craft after sunset is not recommended. Anyone launching should be fully aware that each sailor, paddler/rower is responsible for their own safety and that of their crew. Jericho Rescue resources are minimal at this time of year. Canadian Coast Guard is standing by on *16 on your cell. If you ran of wind and don’t have a paddle they won’t be too happy.
Water and air temperatures are trending down, are you ready for the cold weather?
While it is not winter yet. Air and water temperatures are trending down on an almost daily basis. Realistically both won’t be warm again until next summer. If you intend on enjoying the water through the shoulder season and winter months, it is worth starting to plan how to do it safely. Click on through to our cold water blog post for more information.
Jericho Sailing Centre School Partners
Jericho Beach Kayak
JBK Will remain available for private sessions and winter programs. For bookings and more information, slap that paddle over to JBK
MacSailing
Closed for the season. For more information pull your tiller to Mac
Windsure
Closed for the season. For more information wing over to SURF
Galley Patio and Grill – Closed for the Season
The Galley is now closed for the season. Stay tuned in late winter / early spring for news on when it will re-open for next season.
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 1
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
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.