Update on the racing boat accident

SAN DIEGO (AP) — An American yacht destroyed while racing from California
to Mexico ended up on the rocky shore of an island just past the border,
according to a website that tracks boats by GPS, potentially undercutting
the theory that it was crushed by a large ship.

Coast Guard investigators have not recovered the GPS device but will
consider the coordinates as they try to determine what caused the crash of
the 37-foot Aegean that killed three sailors and left one missing, agency
spokesman Lt. Bill Burwell said Tuesday.

Investigators are also scrutinizing the sailboat's debris, interviewing
race participants and seeking records of any large ships in the area,
Burwell said.

The GPS tracking information shows the boat landed on Mexico's Coronado
Islands at 1:36 a.m. PDT Saturday at a speed of about 6 knots. The
coordinates were the last posted by the ship a day after it left from
Newport Beach, where the 124-mile race to Ensenada, Mexico, began.
The maker of the device was Spot LLC, a unit of Globalstar Inc. Its
palm-sized gadgets track movements of sailors and other outdoor
enthusiasts.

Michael Patton, a spokesman for the yacht owner's family, noted the
tracking shows the GPS device landed on the rocks but not necessarily the
boat. He dismissed the theory that the boat hit rocks because debris found
just offshore was too small.  "Look at the destruction of it all," Patton said. "You're talking about it
being squished."

Eric Lamb, who found the wreckage Saturday while on safety patrol, said
debris strewn over 2 square miles looked as if the boat had "gone through a
blender," with some of it a quarter-mile from the shore.
The San Diego County medical examiner said Kevin Eric Rudolph, 53, of
Manhattan Beach and William Reed Johnson Jr., 57 (Col Johnson), of Torrance, both died
from blunt force injuries. Rudolph's injuries were to his head and neck.
Joseph Lester Stewart, 64, of Bradenton, Fla., drowned, but head injuries
contributed to his death. The boat's skipper, Theo Mavromatis, 49, remains
missing.

The coroner's report listed all three deaths as accidents but did not say
what could have caused the wreck.
Troy Sears, an experienced sailor who owns the San Diego-based charter
company Next Level Sailing, said the GPS chart "gives an important clue if
not verification of what happened to the vessel."
"It looked like they plotted a course for Ensenada and North Coronado
Island was directly in the way."

Sears, who visited the part of the island where the GPS tracking ended,
said it was unlikely that the device fell off the boat because the chart
shows a steady speed and straight course.

"That section of North Coronado Island is near vertical and it would be
like hitting a wall. There's no beach to stop or slow a vessel, so a vessel
would make contact with a near-vertical wall," he said.
The deaths were the race's first fatalities in its 65 years and came two
weeks after five sailors were killed in the waters off Northern California
when their 38-foot yacht was hit by powerful waves and ran aground on a
rocky island.

By ocean racing standards, the number of casualties in the two races is
startling. Previous major ocean racing disasters have been caused by freak
storms, including the one that killed 15 sailors in the Irish Sea in the
1979 Fastnet Race and one that killed six in the 1998 Sydney to Hobart
Race.

Gary Jobson, president of the U.S. Sailing Association, said the group
would look at the GPS coordinates as part of its investigation.
GPS devices are increasingly popular among sailors, said Jobson, who
attaches one to the rail of his boat.

Mavromatis was a sailor his entire life and did not appear to have ever
faced scrutiny about safety, Conrad Thieme, manager of Marina Sailing, a
company that rented the boat on his behalf.

Mavromatis twice won the Newport-to-Ensenada race in his category and also
placed second and third, said Patton, the family spokesman. The Greek
immigrant told friends that he once tried out for the Greek Olympic sailing
team.

Patton was supposed to be the fifth crew member but canceled when his
mother was hospitalized with symptoms of heart trouble in Illinois. Her
health scare did not turn out to be serious.
"I feel lucky, but it's not like I'm going to go out and buy a lottery
ticket," he said. "I'm not the story."

RIP

One of my good friends who also has come to the coffee club died Saturday morning in a sail boat race, Col Bill Johnson... 

Torrance, Manhattan Beach men dead, Redondo Beach skipper missing in yacht race tragedy

From wire service reportsdailybreeze.com

Posted: 04/30/2012 06:41:30 AM PDT

April 30, 2012 7:5 PM GMTUpdated: 04/30/2012 12:05:15 PM PDT

 

This Friday, April 27, 2012, photo shows the Aegean with crew members at the start of a 125-mile Newport Beach, Calif. to Ensenada, Mexico yacht race. The 37-foot Aegean, carrying a crew of four, was reported missing Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The yacht appeared to have collided at night with a much larger vessel, leaving three crew members dead and one missing, The Newport Ocean Sailing Association said Sunday, April 29. Race officials believe there are few other possibilities for what caused the accident. (AP Photo/newportbeach.patch.com, Susan Hoffman) MANDATORY CREDIT; LINK TO STORY: http://patch.com/A-sPbD (Susan Hoffman)

This undated California Department of Motor Vehicles photo shows William Reed Johnson Jr. from Torrance, Calif. Johnson was one of the four crew aboard the 37-foot Aegean, who died after the ship was reported missing Saturday April 28, 2012. The yacht appeared to have collided at night with a much larger vessel, leaving two other crew members dead and one missing. (AP Photo/DMV) (HOEP)

| » NO DISTRESS CALL HEARD | » PHOTOS

LOS ANGELES - The body of the skipper of a yacht apparently smashed to pieces by a ship off the Coronado Islands remained missing today, as the families of all four men aboard wondered how the accident could have happened.

A spokesman for Newport Ocean Sailing Association, which puts on the annual Newport to Ensenada race, said the wreckage of the 37-foot Aegean dropped off the race's boat-tracking system about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, and the debris field found when the sun rose later the same day suggested it was hit by a much larger vessel.

Sailors who knew skipper Theo Mavromatis, 49, of Redondo Beach, said he was conscientious, safety oriented and had his Hunter 376 outfitted with "all the bells and whistles," including radar, which is a collision-avoidance tool.

Winds were light at the time, and if only one person were on deck, he may have had trouble starting the boat's auxiliary engine and getting out of the way in time.

On Saturday afternoon, the bodies of Joseph Lester Stewart, 64, of Bradenton, Fla. and 57-year-old William Reed Johnson Jr. of Torrance were recovered, along with the body another crew mate whose name was unavailable early today.

Monday morning,

Leslie Rudolph of Manhattan Beach, the wife of 53-year-old Kevin Rudolph confirmed that he was the third sailor killed.

The ship that struck the fiberglass sloop has not been identified. Some of the first rescuers on scene were able to identify a debris field as that of the Aegean, because its transom, emblazoned with its name, was still afloat.

The yacht was one of 213 sailboats in the roughly 125-mile race, which started about noon Friday. Most boats finished Saturday.

A white seat cushion is seen on a white tarp covering wreckage recovered from a yacht that collided with a larger vessel, on a boat used for a rescue search in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Sunday, April 29, 2012. The 37-foot Aegean, carrying a crew of four, was reported missing Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The yacht appeared to have collided at night with a much larger vessel, leaving three crew members dead and one missing,(AP Photo/Elliot Spagat) (Elliot Spagat)

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday afternoon.

"It's never easy to make the decision to suspend a search and rescue case," said Capt. Sean Mahoney, the commander of the agency's San Diego sector. "The Coast Guard extends its sympathies to the families and friends of the Aegean crew. They will be in our thoughts and prayers."

The fatalities were first in the 65 years that the Newport to Ensenada race has been run, race organizers said.

Rich Roberts of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association, which puts on the race, said the collision occurred just south of border near the Coronado Islands, a group of four islands about 8 miles off the Baja California coast.

The course of the Aegean crossed

In this image taken from U.S. Coast Guard video, a rescuer retrieves a piece of debris from the ocean off the Baja California, Mexico coast near Ensenada Sunday, April 29, 2012. The 37-foot racing sailboat Aegean, carrying a crew of four, was reported missing Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The yacht appeared to have collided at night with a much larger vessel, leaving three crew members dead and one missing. (AP Photo/USCG Petty Officer Third Class Seth Johnson) (PO3C Seth Johnson)

shipping lanes used by commercial and military ships headed to and from the ports of San Diego and Ensenada, and maritime investigators will attempt to identify the ship involved. The captain of ship hundreds of times as big as the Aegean might have been unaware of the collision.

The deaths marked the second yachting disaster this spring. On April 14 off San Francisco, five lives were lost when a yacht in a race around the Farallon Islands was disabled by a breaking wave and washed onto a rocky shore. That prompted the Coast Guard to suspend offshore sailboat racing in Northern California.

Dogs and cats plus a fire ball

Dogs and cats

We had a great discussion on the riverside county mandatory micro-chip program and how it might now be instituted. Turns out all dogs and cats need to have a microchip placed under their skin. We learned that state wide it costs 300 million to dispose of animals picked up by the officers. Animals need to be licensed etc and those not are picked up. Fees start for the pickup and build from there to include a microchip. Many animals, I guess, are put down if the own refuses to pay the fees. I did make some suggestions on how the state might actually save that 300 million fee but no one thought they would do it.

 Fishing

The fish are biting at the Salton Sea! The other night I was out on the beach and you could hear many schools of talapia up on the surface. There were thousands of them! When they get spooked the all dive under the surface making such a racket of noise, like thousands of fish splashing all at once. It was very impressive.

Big Fire Ball

When I was out on the beach later at night there was a large explosion and fire ball at the Salton Sea State Park. I did call it in and that was a real experience to talk to 911 then the sheriffs department. The fire department at north shore, who said all we have to do is call 911 and ask to talk to them, well, I can tell you that isn't true. The sheriff on the phone could but I couldn't. Anyway instead of them heading to the state park they showed up at my house looking for the fire ball. I was asked three times how did I know it was a fire ball! Really, so I told them as a kid my parents used to roast chestnuts on an open fire, so I actually have seen fire in my life and this was yellow, red and a big ball that raised up into the air. Really... Tax payer dollars at work. Anyway, I got them pointed back to the state park when I noticed that one of the engines head lights were out. I told them wow, that is really dangerous and they should keep their equipment in better shape. I just hope the other headlight doesn't go out.. 

Jeff Frost

I met this young talented man when I was security guarding out on the beach last Nov and we became friends. He comes out to the desert to make movies and I didn't really understand what they were or how talented he really is. He and his girl friend Stephanie stayed the night and I got to see the film. Here is a link to his site so you can see what a fantastic thing it is.. http://www.jeff-frost.com. Make sure to go full screen and if your internet can handle it go HD and you can see the

meteors.

Senator Joe

He has his 40th wedding anniversary tomorrow so I took he and his wife a bottle of white wine up for the celebration. I can't even imagine being married for that long and I think it is really wonderful to see such a commitment. Days gone by I'm sure but would love to see such a role model catch on for others. Congratulations!

 Defender sales

Summer is coming and so are vacations. Don't leave home without your defender or self defense weapon!

Enjoy and stay cool!!!!

What the heck?

Secret Service

We discussed all the firing of the secret service agents who were or looked like they did stupid things. However, we did discuss that we really don't know what the truth really is. We need to see what comes out or the truth. We did all agree that if they did something illegal then they should be fired. If they compromised classified information then firing them is appropriate.  

The sex industry in 2050

 I read an article from NZ this morning that a study was done on what the sex industry would look like in 2050. Basically the sex industry would be using robots and a trip would cost you $9500 for your visit. So, I introduced the club to "real doll" and told them of my idea of having a "brothel" in Iraq with five of these types of dolls. Each start at $5200 and up so they are really different... Only those who are curious should click the link..

It's getting hot!

I installed 2" foam panels in my windows just like Phil has and boy I'm shocked at the difference it makes. Yesterday it got to just 100F and the inside with no AC was a comfortable 81F! What a difference insulation makes. Now it's a bit dark inside but the cooling savings will be worth it!

Kickstarter.com

I found a really interesting website kickstarter.com I would suggest everyone visit. Great ideas and a wonderful way to present ideas for possible investors. 

Back on the air

Ok.. it's been far too long but here we go...

Discussed the highway 86 crossing at ave 66 or state route 195. You can't cross if you are on foot. Can't hitch hike either as that is against the law. So how does anyone other then motor traffic get across legally? Bikes can we think but .... hm... Cal Trans.. Help????

The North Shore Fire Station call button or door button doesn't work. They seem to think you have to call 911 to get them to answer the door. Good PR guys. I went there last Saturday to have a medical issue checked and I stood outside ringing the door bell and knocking on the door. They were there but no answer. What if someone leaves a baby at the door step, rings the bell, and then runs away? That will be a dead baby I think. Some thing is really wrong with the door bell and when brought to their attention, they said call 911. Where is it written that everyone has to have a cell phone to call a fire department to answer their door bell? Food for thought there.

Obama's birth certificate

Birth Certificate:

Today we discussed a very heated debate about Obama's birth certificate and SSN. I think the general opinion is that something is fishy but at this point what is the real point? I'm personally glad people are still looking into this and who knows what can be the outcome.

Robberies

We have been seeing a rash of robberies here at desert beach and up at parkside. Mr. Stone got his 3 wheel off road bike stolen in mid day! They opened his gate, backed a truck in and rolled his motor cycle out into the truck and off they went. I was there Monday Morning for the sheriff report. Dale, who was very upset at this ended up saving the day. Later that Monday he was working on my Hummer and all of a sudden got a message in his mind to go to Reyes Market. He got in his car and drove over to the market and there was the motor cycle! He grabbed one of the guys and explained it was stolen. Just then the driver came out with a 18 pack of beer and jumped on the bike and headed out! Dale pursued him, off road into the desert but eventually lost him. He took the other guy back to his house and said someone is going to jail today if I don't get that bike back. The guys wife didn't want to see her husband go back to jail as he was out on parole. Anyway, Dale said if they bring the bike back he will pay a $300 recovery fee. He then went back to where the bike was taken from and waited. Sure enough, they showed up to get the $300! Dale took the keys and told them to take a hike. No fee for stealing the bike and get the heck out of here.... Crazy story.

Another house was broken into on Sunday Morning, I was called by the sheriff as I was a call list. The window was opened and the robber entered into the house. The alarm was going off so they left. I help to secure the house and we got some more security stuff underway for the house. It's obvious that more of these types of thing are going to happen as people leave the desert for the summer. So, we need to form a better neighborhood watch group.

Doomsday Preppers

 I started a new blog to start getting some of the doomsday preppers traffic. Preppers are those individuals that prepare for disasters and we desert rats need to sit up and take notice. I am going to organize a group of us that meet once a month to start getting a group in our community to start preparing for disasters that we might experience here in the desert. We all remember the power outage of last summer and that is just the kind of thing we need to prepare for here in the desert. No water, no power, etc is something we need as a community to organize for. Gas and generators for cooling, wood and propane for cooking, water to drink, etc. is something we should organize. Those who read this email me to to join (Pete Brusso).

 The fire department

Our fire departments front door bell has not been working for some time and we complained that we need the ability to contact them at the station without using a cell phone. One of our members headed up that effort and I'm please to announce that their front door bell now works. So if you need them, like I did and they didn't answer their door, now you can get them to help you.

Foam in the windows

I decided to take Phil's tack this year and put 2" aluminum foil foam in my windows to help with my cooling bill this year. I know intellectually that this should help but yesterday I experienced the real difference and I was very impressed at what a difference it makes. We got to 89 yesterday and my house sat at 76 all day long without any cooling.

Golfing

I got my golfing site up and rocking last week as the spring golfing season is starting. For all your golfers out there please visit my site at vision1golf.com.





 

ok.. ok.. ok

Ok.. Ok.. Ok.. I'm blogging again! Sorry for the time off,  life got in my way.

Recent community meeting

I didn't go to the last meeting this week as I got side tracked in Indio. Phil went and said the translation machines helped but all the young kids there, not being quiet, made it so those with hearing aids couldn't hear a thing. He asked several times for it to stop but it didn't. One person even asked if child care can be paid for by the county for them during these meetings. Do you have to bring all the family to these meetings? Can't someone stay home with the kids?  Hmmm

Hank Jr.

We want to say I guess its the fact that you can't have an expressible opinion with your employer. It wasn't illegal, maybe a bit strong but ghezz ESPN. So, I'm boycotting all ESPN.

China

Phil brought up an article that talked about how a lot of our military electronics are breaking down and come to find out the chips are from China. Hm... In this article it talked about the chips and one line at the end about possible espionage. Wow, I would have thought that the first line in the article. What is the government thinking purchasing chips that go into our military gear from China? Would we have done that with cold war with Russia? Hm...

MJ

Dick has been keeping us up to speed on the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. After all the hubbub Tommy Lee summed it up. He says it shows us two things: First, MJ is still dead, and Second: Dr. Murray has good taste in women!

Dog front

Well we still have our neighbor hood dogs and this morning we got a whole new pack of dogs none of us have seen. One had a collar on too but they were medium size dogs and not to friendly. I guess I'll have to get back involved with the dog scene. After all, I don't have much to do after I returned the stolen chairs from the senior center.

Chairs stolen from North Shore Senior Center, film at 11 pm

It seems that green coffee club chairs were stolen from the senior center Oct 15th. It was discovered by the house cleaning service and the president was notified of the issue. Lots of calls started to go out on Sunday to figure out what happened. There was no break in so it must be an inside job. Well.. oddly enough the chairs returned within 24 hours. It turns out they were borrowed for my party, I asked, and even had several of the senior centers board and members here for the party. They even sat on the chairs, stolen as they might have been. It is still the talk of North Shore... God forgive me for my entertainment value here in NS.


God bless, oops.. not politically correct there... let me try that again

Big spirit in the sky... no.. no.. no.. that won't work either

Buddha or whom ever you believe in.. no... no.. no .. that can't work either I'm offending those who don't believe anything.


Ok.. all you anarchists pray, lean on, use as a coffee coaster, your anarchist cook books... God Bless.. the rest of you will find out when you get there if you were right or not... is that a wrong thing to say?

Enjoy