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Daughter: Aegean Crew Loved Adventure

Anna Mavromati, daughter of Aegean skipper Theo Mavromatis, remembers the four men who perished in the yacht crash.

Editor's note: Anna Mavromati, daughter of Theo Mavromatis, gave this tribute at a for the Aegean crew. We've reprinted it here with her permission.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the ocean lately. There are so many nautical tales about the adventures of men at sea—stories about pirates, soldiers, Ahab and his infamous whale, and the list could go on. I know that adventure stories like that always appealed to my dad, and I’m sure that the rest of the crew of the Aegean loved them too. That was part of the fun of sailing—adding more stories to this chronology of adventures that has existed for thousands of years.

The sailors of the Aegean will always be remembered for that love of adventure. All four men won first place in the Newport to Ensenada sailing race last year, and even after winning—the Aegean placing almost every time it’s raced—they still weren’t satisfied. They still wouldn’t rest. They were always ready to raise the sails and set out on this adventure again. They were brave and they were tenacious. I can’t think of any better way to live life than the way they did.

I will always remember how well they worked together as a crew, but I will also remember all four men, individually.

I’ll always remember my Uncle Joey Stewart and the afternoons he would spend playing my little brother’s video games every time he came over to visit. He would play the same level, over and over again, cursing at the character running around on the screen, my sister and I laughing at him every time he lost and had to start the level over again. But he never gave up.

I will remember the multi-talented Kevin Rudolph, the Aegean’s resident musician and cook. My dad took so many video recordings of him at yacht club parties, when Kevin would jump onstage with his harmonica and start playing along with the band. We all thought that was so cool.

I never met Bill Johnson, but I will always remember him, too. I’ve stared at his photo now countless times, standing in the middle of the Aegean crew’s group photo after they won their first place trophy last year. He’s holding a up pirate doll and looks like he’s laughing at it a little bit, but he’s still holding it up like it’s another member of the crew, like he’s proud.

And, of course, I’ll always remember my dad. My dad, the Aegean’s captain, who asked my sister to design his entire crew matching, bright blue, “I’m on a Boat” T-shirts this year, referencing that Lonely Island song. He was 49 years old, but he always reminded me of a little kid when he was sailing—or even talking about sailing—always smiling, talking even faster than he normally did in his Greek accent, unable to sit still.

I can understand why each of these men were so drawn to the sea, why they loved sailing. I’ve been on the Aegean countless times, and I know how it feels to stand on a sailing ship. Even standing here on the pier you can get a sense of what they felt out there: Powerful and grounded while the rest of the watery world sloshes and splashes beneath their feet. That is how they should be remembered. That is how I will always remember them—every day, every time I need strength, and every time I look out at the endless ocean.

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Jeff & Melissa Ginsburg, Steve Aspel and Joan Irvine at our May 14th Election Watch Party
Joan Irvine May 16, 2013 at 08:08 am
Jeff, I am so pleased that you will be representing the residents of District 1 for the next fourRead More years.
john May 4, 2013 at 09:18 pm
And here I thought I needed to Drive to San Diego to experience craft breweries and bars. Nice job.
sheri patterson April 30, 2013 at 12:19 am
Mary, I read your posts throughout the Measure A campaign. You may want to re-read your posts whenRead More you cast stones about "dividing a city". There wasn't much substantiation to any of your posts-- mostly just attacks on Jim Light. Do Aspel and Ginsburg condone this sort of behavior since you are such a strong voice for them?
Jim Light April 28, 2013 at 03:41 pm
http://www.prado2013.com/ Voters should read this before casting their ballot. Dianne Prado,Read More former District 1 candidate, exposes the electioneering, intimidation and cronyism of this campaign.
Jim Light April 26, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Perhaps we should just turn our heads and let the City Council violate the law. Is that what youRead More would do Mr H? The City Charter is the law of Redondo. The Council chose knowingly to violate it. When the judge found them in violation, the same Council doubled the costs with a frivolous appeal. This time three judges threw it out. Had the Council followed the Charter, there would be zero costs. If you want to hold anyone accountable, it should be those who cast the vote to violate the City Charter and disenfranchise the voters of Redondo. You should not hold me and the over 200 residents who contributed to the lawsuit to uphold the City Charter responsible for the Council's illegal action.
David Mallen May 6, 2013 at 11:28 pm
We are still waiting for someone -- perhaps the author of this post -- to make a coherent,Read More fact-based argument in favor of Mr. Diels. With all due respect, conclusory hopes and dreams of "reform" will not get 'er done in the face of Mr. Diels' voting record as City Councilman. Thankfully, one good thing has come of the author's blog post. The facts and blog posts have vindicated the honesty and integrity of the campaigns run by Dawn Esser and Chris Cagle, against a baseless attack by Mrs. Diels. If I had a magic mand, I would wave it and change the City Charter so that Dawn and Chris could share the position of Treasurer.
David Mallen May 6, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Mr. Azouz: Thank you. I am glad some neighbors find value in what I do, but more importantly IRead More respect the fact that you take the time to do your own homework. If you have expertise in a particular area that can benefit the City, feel free to contact me off line. That goes for anyone. After the election, I have a "big idea" that I want to promote for our City. When Bill Brand and Steve Aspel both agree that my idea is promising, then I think we are on the right track. I'll be curious to learn what the City Manager has to say.
Rocketgerl May 6, 2013 at 10:51 pm
Correction - that's his email. Jimlightforcouncil.com is more fun! Although I'm sure he'd love toRead More hear from you at either address!
Rob April 29, 2013 at 03:17 am
ANYONE who will vote in Redondo Beach election MUST read the link below written by Dianne Prado.Read More Jim Light is the right person for District #1! http://www.prado2013.com/the-dirty-down-low-of-redondo-beach-politics/
Joan Irvine April 22, 2013 at 01:13 pm
Hi Rob! I of course respect you have your own opinions but I think you may want to check about theRead More facts. You can clarify this with Kim Fine directly rather than taking my word for it; her contact information is available on her campaign website: http://www.kimberlyfine.com. I'd appreciate if you would post her response, so everyone will have the correct information. Thanks
Joan Irvine April 22, 2013 at 11:00 am
Mary, I agree with your statement: 'While everyone has a right to their own opinion, all in DistrictRead More One should investigate both candidates recent and past history." And anyone who know that Jeff Ginsburg is my choice for this Council seat.