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June 16, 2006
It's not a secret anymore
The Jericho sailing centre wants to maintain widespread access.
MONIKA ULLMANN
There was a time when only people living in the immediate vicinity
of Jericho Beach knew and jealously guarded what has been called
the best-kept secret in Vancouver. But time and journalism has eroded
this enviable status and now, the place is becoming internationally
famous.
"We've recently had coverage in the U.K. in the Daily Telegraph
and the Guardian online, and we're in all the guidebooks,
so it's no wonder we get people from all over the world coming here,"
said Graham Abrahams, owner of the Galley Bistro, a popular self-serve
hangout that serves as a focal point of the sprawling complex.
On a sunny day, it draws up to 1,000 people enjoying burgers, a
good wine list and a separate ice cream bar. The patio has a spectacular
view of the Strait of Georgia to the west, the North Shore mountains
across the water and the city skyline shimmering to the east. "People
are captivated by the atmosphere and the view - it's not about the
cheap beer," said Abrahams.
The question is, Will success spoil Jericho Beach? It has always
had a slightly ramshackle charm and, generally, its guardians aim
to keep it that way. Not for them the high glitz and glamor of Kits
Beach. "We'll be working on the esthetics of the place a bit,
plant some shrubs and organize the boats a bit better," said
Brian Key, president of the Jericho Sailing Centre Association,
"but basically, we don't want to be an expensive place. It's
for everybody who wants to enjoy boating, windsurfing and so on."
The Galley is just one of several commercial enterprises sharing
space with nonprofit water sports associations in what used to be
an old Navy hangar. A chainlink fence protects the hundreds of small
watercraft that members store on the compound. It's a place that
has evolved with the growth of Vancouver but is working hard to
keep both up to date, as well as down to earth.
"Our mandate is to serve the community," said Abrahams.
"We are a community centre – so we have a kids' menu and
an elevator for our seniors."
It is in fact run under the aegis of the Vancouver Parks Board and
is the only community centre with ocean access in Vancouver. It's
home to some 14 different water sports clubs and, with a membership
of nearly 3,000, there is currently a waiting list that isn't expected
to last once craft abandoned by their owners have been auctioned
off. The JSCA can truly say that it is the water sports centre for
those who love the water but find membership in one of the local
yacht clubs too pricey.
Jericho memberships cost $70 per year for a single adult and about
$100 for a family. Membership gives you access to storing and launching
your craft and, if you don't have one, you can join one of the 14
clubs that give you access to theirs. You also get to use the newly
renovated changing rooms and there's 10 per cent off at the Galley.
There is even a sailing club for the disabled. Most of the clubs
also offer lessons in sailing, seamanship and generally transforming
landlubbers into sailors and/or windsurfers, kayakers and beach
bums.
Still, this is the year that they've finally decided that a little
bit of polish can go a long way. Key said it had been a busy winter
season, planning much-needed renovations and making the JSCA website
more accessible and useful. One of the most important functions
of the site is to let members know what the conditions on the water
are via a webcam. Whether you want to sail, windsurf, kayak or just
hang out, the webcam will let you know what's going on.
Improvements yet to come revolve around making the building more
energy efficient – perhaps with geothermal heating. Meanwhile,
summer is here and the Galley is swarming with people of all ages
enjoying the view, with the sailing craft zipping along the horizon
like so many butterflies. But by far the most exciting thing is
the brand new observation deck, open to members only. The view from
the deck is breathtaking – a 360 degree panorama without equal
in the city. Alcohol-free, and able to seat more than 60 people,
this could well become the new, best-kept secret on the beach.
For more information, log onto www.jsca.bc.ca.
Monika Ullmann is a freelance writer and editor living
in Vancouver.
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