News
Good News! Jericho has approved our Covid-19 Safety Plan, and we are ready to get the sailing season underway.
Please read the safety plan below prior to your first visit to the club.
Viking Sailing Club – Jericho Sailing Centre Safety Plan
To Sail With the Viking Sailing Club, You Must:
- Comply with all Jericho Sailing Centre (JSCA) and Viking Sailing Club (VSC) rules.
- Stay away from JSCA if you feel sick or have any of the published Covid-19 symptoms (including but not limited to: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite).
- Take responsibility for your own health and understand your own risk.
- Wash or sanitize your hands frequently and do not touch your face.
- Respect 2-metre physical distancing with other JSCA users and staff.
- Stay up-to-date and be aware that JSCA and VSC policies may change.
- Be patient and kind with everyone as we navigate these challenges together.
Know Before You Go:
- Review all JSCA rules before arriving at the compound.
- JSCA mandates that everyone must wear a mask within the compound. Have your own mask or be prepared to purchase one (by donation) from JSCA. Non-medical and homemade masks are acceptable.
- VSC advises you to bring a plastic bag to keep your mask dry during your sail, and bring your own pen for use in the VSC club room if desired.
Access to the JSCA Compound:
- For now JSCA is only accessible through the main gate. Entry will be controlled by JSCA staff, who will check for membership cards and masks. Please call ahead if you wish you to use the parking facilities as they remain closed to non-Jericho members.
- JSCA membership card will be required for entry and registration. Your 2019 card will work until you can get it updated for 2020.
- Temporary restroom, changing room, and shower facilities will be available in outdoor areas of the compound.
- JSCA is open only to members and their guests. JSCA requires guests to register upon entry with their name and telephone number.
- JSCA has designated some areas of the compound and main building for one-way circulation only. Please pay attention to signs regulating movement.
- JSCA main office will be accessible by windows on the east exterior wall.
- There are hand washing and hand sanitizer stations placed around the compound. Please use them frequently!
VSC Policies on Using the Club Room:
- Entry to the VSC club room is limited to:
- Two people in the inner locker room.
- Two people in the outer equipment / workshop room.
- Physical distancing of two meters must be maintained in all areas of the club room at all times with people outside your household or COVID social circle.
- If the rooms are at maximum capacity, please wait outside while practicing physical distancing with other JSCA users.
- To ensure accessibility for all, avoid lingering or socializing in the club room. Make visits brief, to prepare for sailing, retrieve equipment, and get changed.
- Always sign in in the clubroom log book on arrival and sign out the boat you are taking out. Use hand sanitizer before and after using sign in books and sheets.
- Cleaning checklists will be posted. Please review and use provided cleaning supplies to disinfect anything that you used or touched in the club room.
- Be mindful of what you touch to reduce surface transmission. Keep in mind that washing hands thoroughly before entering the clubroom and refraining from touching your face helps to reduce surface contamination.
VSC Policies on What to Sail and Who to Sail With:
- You may sail any single-handed vessel (Laser, kayak, SUP) for which you are rated.
- You may sail any multi-person vessel (Tasar, Quest, RS500, Nacra 570) for which you are rated as long as you are with (see FAQ at the end for definitions and details):
- Another member of your household during British Columbia’s Phase 1 (currently scheduled to end on May 19th).
- Another member of your household or COVID social circle during British Columbia’s Phase 2 (currently scheduled to begin on May 19th).
- All VSC rules regarding ratings and guests continue to apply.
Launching Viking Vessels
- Be aware that JSCA compound launch gates will be closed and locked between launches until at least May 25th. VSC will make gate keys available in the club room as soon as possible.
VSC Policies on Cleaning Viking Vessels After Use
- Use provided soap, water, buckets, and scrub brushes to clean all high-touch areas on the vessel before putting everything away. This includes:
- Dolly handle
- Tiller
- Gunwhales and handles
- Paddles
- Booms
- Any other frequently touched areas, except sheets and lines
Feedback
Addendum: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is British Columbia’s Phase 1?
- According to BC’s Restart Plan, the restrictions and guidelines for managing COVID-19 from March to approximately May 19th are Phase 1. This is the phase of maximum physical distancing and restricted activities that British Columbia has implemented so far. During Phase 1 it is recommended that you do not socialize outside your own household..
- What is British Columbia’s Phase 2?
- This is the upcoming controlled relaxation of certain COVID-19-related restrictions, expected to start on May 19th (although this date is subject to change depending on provincial guidance), wherein British Columbians as a whole transition from an estimated 30% of normal social interaction to 60% of normal social interaction. According to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, this is the phase in which British Columbians may start to slowly and cautiously expand their social circle. Details about provincial planning and guidelines for transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2 are available in BC’s Restart Plan and the BC COVID-19 Go-Forward Management Strategy.
- What is a household member?
- Anyone you live with during the COVID-19 pandemic is a household member. The understanding is that you share risks together on a daily basis and thus do not have to practice physical distancing. You must take your household members’ risks into consideration when assessing the risks of your own activities.
- What is a COVID social circle?
- During BC’s Phase 2, British Columbians are advised to slowly and cautiously expand their social circle, meaning the people with whom they regularly interact. Provincial authorities urge that people keep their social circle small and expand it very slowly and carefully after Phase 2 begins. Everyone is ultimately responsible for determining their own social circle, but they must do so while carefully considering risks to themselves and others, while always isolating themselves when ill or showing any COVID-19 symptoms.
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The Viking Sailing Club has suspended beach fleet activities at the Jericho Sailing Centre (currently closed) and keelboat charters on Tyra in keeping with the public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Viking Sailing Club Executive is monitoring the situation and will provide updates on resumption of activities based on best available health guidance. In the meantime if you have any questions or are interested in joining the club once activities resume, please contact the membership officer at membership@vikingsailingclub.bc.ca.
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Ahoy Vikings!
Kick off the sailing season by joining us on Monday, March 30th in the Surf and Turf Room, Jericho Sailing Club for the Viking Sailing Club’s Meet the Member’s Night.
- Date: 2020-03-20
- Location: Jericho Sailing Center, Surf & Turf Room
- Start Time: 19:00
- End Time: 21:00
This is a free event starting at 7pm.
There will be beverages for sale, nibbles to snack on and lots of talk about sailing and what is in store for the Vikings this year and how to get psyched for the 2020 season!
If you are a brand new Viking or want to be a Viking, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and to meet future sailing partners! For returning Vikings, reconnect with fellow members and start planning on how to get out the water!
Everyone is welcome to this event, please bring along any colleagues, friends and/or family who are interested in finding out more about the Vikings.
As always volunteers are required to help make this event a success. Volunteer positions include, set up, clear up, and helping at the bar – can you help out? Please contact quartermaster@vikingsailingclub.bc.ca with any assistance you can provide.
See everyone on March 30th!
A quick note about our club: Being a co-op, we count on our members’ support, participation and contribution. Please share this event with others who may be interested in joining. We have included a link here for an 8 x 10 poster that you can print off and put up around your building or neighbourhood.
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Ahoy Vikings and Happy 2020!
The Internation Boat Show returns to Vancouver, this February 5th to 9th. Make sure that you are up-to-date with the latest boating news, or score some great deals on gear. Details and ticket information can be found here.
Jericho Sailing Centre will have a booth and is looking for volunteers to help fill some shifts. Check out the details here and contact the JSCA directly for more info. A perk if you volunteer is that you can get a pass in for that day.
If you are checking out the boat show on Granville on Saturday, come out for a drink afterward to chat boats or just catch up with some fellow Vikings at one of the bars on Granville Island, between 5:30 and 7:30. Contact Hope at quartermaster@vikingsailingclub.bc.ca for the details or subscribe to our newest Google Group for non-sailing activities.
Keep an eye out in the next upcoming weeks for a sneak peek at the season ahead.
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The May Cruise is ready for on boarding!
Please fill out the registration form below to be added to the 2019 crew list.
The 2019 Annual Viking May Cruise is set to take place May 17 to 20. This year there we will be four boats, including our lovely Tyra, with room for 27 people. We will be departing Saturday morning from Sidney and heading to Wallace Island Marine Park, where we will raft for the night or and plan on walking across the island to see the magic that was once resort in 1950’s.
Sunday we sail back to Browning Harbour on North Pender Island. Sunday night we have confirmed berths on the dock at Port Browning. Dinner is either on the dock or at your pub of choice.
Finally back to reality and Port Sidney Marina on Monday, with a good possibility of an exploratory lunch hook at Sidney Spit on the way.
What you need to know
Friday, May 17 meet at Port Sidney Marina @ 1600 hrs
Make your way to Cooper Boating – Port Sidney Marina which is a few minutes’ drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Since it is a holiday weekend there are extra sailing options out of Tsawwassen.
The orange Sidney Taxis are the best option for the short drive into Sidney. Avoid taking the yellow taxi’s as they primarily go to Victoria and may charge more. Public transit departs approx every 30 min from Swartz Bay and the stop in Sidney is at Fifth & Beacon (approx. 6 blocks walk from the marina.) At the Marina there is paid parking available at a cost of $11 per day. Parking passes are available through the Marina Office and must be displayed on the dashboard of the registered vehicle.
Our Boats will be available to board between 1600 and 1800 . Once your gear is stowed join your fellow Vikings at one of the port restaurants – Rumrunner Pub or The Surly Mermaid are Viking favourites. Supplies are available a short walk into town and there are several options. Fairway Market is located about a two minute walk up the street. Feel free to use your shopping cart to bring your groceries back to your boat, then return it to the pick-up area at the top of the dock ramp. Thrifty Foods offers grocery delivery within the area. There is a BC liquor store in town and Beacon Landing Pub near the marina sells beer & wine.
We will aim to be back between 3pm and 4pm on Monday, to allow for the 17:00 or 19:00 return ferry to Tsawwassen on Monday.
If you know you are taking the ferry make a reservation now to confirm you get the sailing you want.
The cost is $325 for members and $350 for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the charter. Provisioning is organized by your Skipper and the cost is shared by everyone on your boat (three days’ groceries plus moorage, which will be around $50-75 for the boat). Other costs, including eating out or any alcohol you want to bring, are your own. Each boat is equipped with refrigeration and cooking facilities.
Other Important Details
Come to the Planning Meeting
The May Cruise Planning Meeting will be held at Jericho (Northwest room) on Thursday, May 9th, 2019 at 1900.
Taking the Helm
We are a teaching club and in the past everyone who wanted got a chance to take the helm. However things have changed. In 2009 the Federal Government introduced new licensing requirements which require anyone in control of a boat with a motor (whether it is on or not) to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you do not have one, there are plenty of opportunities to take the exam in the spring. Please consider getting yours before the cruise.
Boat Provisioning
The charter company does not outfit boats with bedding for charters of less than a week. This means you need to bring your own pillows, bedding, and towels.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can reserve your spot by filling out the form below. I will send you the link to do credit card payment. Reservations are on a first-paid, first-reserved basis with a total of 27 spots available. Act early to avoid disappointment – the May Cruise always fills up. New members are especially welcome. No previous sailing experience is required, and you do not need to know anyone – just sign up!
staff-captain@vikingsailingclub.bc.ca to contact Steve Smith Staff Captain directly. I will confirm either your spot or your place on the waiting list.
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The May Cruise is ready for boarding!
Please read on to find out how to sign up!
The 2018 Annual Viking May Cruise is set to take place May 18 to 21.
This year there we will be a total of 3 boats, including our lovely 34′ keelboat TYRA, with room for 20 people. We will be departing Saturday morning from Sidney and heading first to Russell Island Marine Park, where we may stay the night or carry on to Winter Cove Marine Park.
In both cases we will be eating dinner on board at anchor on Sat Night.
Sunday we have options during the day at Reef Harbour, Cabbage Island and Tumbo Island Marine Park or Winter Cove. Sunday night we have confirmed berths on the dock at the luxurious Poet’s Cove Spa and Resort. All guests on the dock have free use of the heated swimming pool and hot tub, as well as the free (no quarters required!) showers.
Sunday dinner is either on the dock or at your pub of choice.
Finally back to reality and Port Sidney Marina on Monday, with a good possibility of an exploratory lunch hook at Sidney Spit on the way.
What you need to know
Friday, May 18 Meet at Port Sidney Marina @ 16:00 or later
Make your way on Friday afternoon or evening to Cooper Boating – Port Sidney Marina which is a few minutes’ drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Since it is a holiday weekend there are extra sailing options out of Tsawwassen.
The orange Sidney Taxis are the best option for the short drive into Sidney. Avoid taking the yellow taxi’s as they primarily go to Victoria and may charge more. Public transit departs approx every 30 min from Swartz Bay and the stop in Sidney is at Fifth & Beacon (approx. 6 blocks walk from the marina.) At the Marina there is paid parking available at a cost of $11 per day. Parking passes are available through the Marina Office and must be displayed on the dashboard of the registered vehicle.
Our Boats will be available to board between 1600 and 1800.
Once your gear is stowed join your fellow Vikings at one of the port restaurants – Rumrunner Pub or The Surly Mermaid are Viking favourites.
We will be back in Sidney between 14:00 and 15:00, to allow for the 17:00 or 19:00 return ferry to Tsawwassen on Monday.
The cost is $275 for members and $300 for non-members. Cheaper than 2017 Rates!
The fee covers the cost of the charter. Provisioning is organized by your Skipper and the cost is shared by everyone on your boat (3 days’ groceries plus moorage, which will be around $50-75 for the boat). Other costs, including eating out or any alcohol you want to bring, are your own. Each boat is equipped with refrigeration and cooking facilities.
Other Important Details
Come to the Planning Meeting
The May Cruise Planning Meeting will be held at Jericho (Northwest room) on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1900.
Taking the Helm
In 2009 the Federal Government introduced new licensing requirements which require anyone in control of a boat with a motor (whether it is on or not) to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
If you do not have one, you can take an online class and obtain your license in an afternoon through a site such as https://www.boatnbob.com/. Please consider getting yours before the cruise.
Boat Provisioning
The charter company does not outfit boats with bedding for charters of less than a week. This means you need to bring your own pillows, bedding, and towels.
Supplies/groceries are available a short walk into town and there are several options. Fairway Market is located about a two minute walk up the street. Feel free to use your shopping cart to bring your groceries back to your boat, then return it to the pick-up area at the top of the dock ramp. Thrifty Foods offers grocery delivery within the area. There is a BC liquor store in town and Beacon Landing Pub near the marina sells beer & wine.
How to Sign Up!
You can reserve your spot by emailing Steve Smith at stevesmith@dccnet.com. Please include the following information in your email:
- Your name
- Phone Number
- E-mail Address
Steve will arrange payment with you directly via credit card or cheque.
Reservations are on a first-paid, first-reserved basis with a total of 20 spots available.
Act early to avoid disappointment – the May Cruise always fills up. New members are especially welcome. No previous sailing experience is required, and you do not need to know anyone – just sign up!
Read more »
Whether you’ve been sailing all your life, or just want to get started, the Viking Sailing Club provides opportunities for all experience levels.
Mark your calendars! Get the details on Meet the Members Night here.
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The May Cruise is Sold Out! You can fill out the registration form to be added to the wait list, though.
The 2017 annual Viking May Cruise is set to take place May 19 to 22. This year there we will be four boats, including our lovely Tyra, with room for 20 people. We will be departing from Sidney and heading first to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island, then on to Ganges on Saltspring Island, and finally back to Sidney. This gives us a beautiful anchorage, provincial park & beach area to explore for the first night and the second night in the town of Ganges.
Itinerary
Friday, May 19
Make your way to Cooper Boating – Port Sidney Marina which is a few minutes’ drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Since it is a holiday weekend there are extra sailing options out of Tsawwassen.
Port Sidney Marina
The orange Sidney Taxis are the best option for the short drive into Sidney. Avoid taking the yellow taxi’s as they primarily go to Victoria and may charge more. Public transit departs approx every 30 min from Swartz Bay and the stop in Sidney is at Fifth & Beacon (approx. 6 blocks walk from the marina.) At the Marina there is paid parking available at a cost of $11 per day. Parking passes are available through the Marina Office and must be displayed on the dashboard of the registered vehicle.
Our Boats will be available to board between 1600 and 1800 . Once your gear is stowed join your fellow Vikings at one of the port restaurants – Rumrunner Pub or The Surly Mermaid are Viking favourites. Supplies are available a short walk into town and there are several options. Fairway Market is located about a two minute walk up the street. Feel free to use your shopping cart to bring your groceries back to your boat, then return it to the pick-up area at the top of the dock ramp. Thrifty Foods offers grocery delivery within the area. There is a BC liquor store in town and Beacon Landing Pub near the marina sells beer & wine.
Montague Harbour
Saturday, May 20
We will depart first thing in the morning and head north east to Galiano Island where we will anchor for the night. Montague Harbour has a lovely provincial park well known for its white shell beaches. Depending on your sail, you may have time for some hiking, swimming, photography or just lazing on the beach.
Sunday, May 21
It is a short distance from Montague to Ganges on Saltspring Island which give everyone a wonderful opportunity to sail and explore the area. We will have reservations at Ganges Marina which is a few minutes’ walk from town. The marina has clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Ganges pretty much has it all including a yummy taco bar, winery within walking distance, artisan shops, grocery & hardware stores, BC liquor store, and a number of excellent restaurants.
Ganges Harbour
Monday, May 22
It’s time to head back to Sidney – hopefully with the wind at our backs. We will aim to be back between 3pm and 4pm, to allow for the 17:00 or 19:00 return ferry to Tsawwassen.
What You Need to Know
The cost is $340 for members and $365 for non-members. We are putting fewer than the maximum per boat to make life aboard more comfortable.
The fee covers the cost of the charter. Provisioning is organized by your Skipper and the cost is shared by everyone on your boat (three days’ groceries plus moorage, which will be around $50-75 for the boat). Other costs, including eating out or any alcohol you want to bring, are your own. Each boat is equipped with refrigeration and cooking facilities.
May Cruise Planning Meeting
The May Cruise Planning Meeting will be held at Jericho (Northwest room) on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 1900.
Taking the Helm
We are a teaching club and in the past everyone who wanted got a chance to take the helm. However things have changed. In 2009 the Federal Government introduced new licensing requirements which require anyone in control of a boat with a motor (whether it is on or not) to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you do not have one, there are plenty of opportunities to take the exam in the spring. Please consider getting yours before the cruise.
Boat Provisioning
The charter company does not outfit boats with bedding for charters of less than a week. This means you need to bring your own pillows, bedding, and towels.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can reserve your spot by filling out the form below. I will send you the link to do credit card payment. Reservations are on a first-paid, first-reserved basis with a total of 20 spots available. Act early to avoid disappointment – the May Cruise always fills up. New members are especially welcome. No previous sailing experience is required, and you do not need to know anyone – just sign up!
If you don’t see a form, you need to log in first!
Read more »
Commodore’s Corner
Hi fellow Vikings,
It has been a while since I’ve updated you on the most recent happenings in the club.
I’ll start with the most exciting topic – our new keelboat is here! We named her Tyra, thanks for all of you participating in the survey. The name Tyra means “A woman who appears very refined if a little haughty and who has a powerful presence. Independent and headstrong, she has bags of energy and usually gets her way without too much difficulty. Proud, and a little conceited.” so a great name for a Viking boat. If not already done, please come and have a look. You might have noticed our new logo on the boat and other places. It is taken from an original Viking boat with sails added to the back of the dragon. Thank you, Liz, for the beautiful design. Also, she’s yours to use, go and book her. You only need a skipper and 2IC and then you can take her out. If any questions, please reach out to Greg Kostiw, he’ll can answer all your inquiries and help you with the booking process.
Also, we’re in our 50th year! This is so amazing; we’re the one of the longest standing co-op sailing clubs in Vancouver. Something we can truly be proud of. Stay tuned for more to come regarding the festivities, but please mark the weekend of June 24th and 25th in your calendar for the big celebration. If you’d like to get involved in planning the events, please reach out to Veronica Owens, our Quartermaster.
I’m also very happy to share that our new family membership has been taken up quite a bit, which is great. It allows your spouse and children to sail with you on our dinghies (if you’re senior rated) or Tyra without paying the guest fees and without limitations.
We still allow guests to be invited, please remember that the guest fees for the keelboat and/or the dinghy fleet apply and they have to be registered at the JSC front desk. Also, there is a limit of 2 times on the dinghy per guest as well as we’re not training guests on the dinghies. We’re hoping to entice the guests to become members of the club, then we will train them properly. Speaking of training, please check our website for the training schedule and sign up to train our novices.
For those of you who have already renewed their membership, thank you very much. For those who haven’t yet, there is still time. I know it’s a bit hard to think about sailing just yet with all the snow happening, but it will start really soon!
Hope to see you soon on the beach and also on our Member’s night on March 29th. This will be another fun event.
Petra
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