Dr. Claudio Potenza: from his degree in economics to his job at Nestlé and finally command of the Tremenda

Captain Claudio Potenza, currently in command of the brand-new explorer yacht Tremenda, built and recently delivered by Cantiere delle Marche, has a unique background. After a degree in economics and business, a master's degree, and two years in finance at the multinational Nestlé, he chose to pursue his passion for the sea, leaving a promising career behind to embark on a new path in yachting. This is where his interview with SUPER YACHT 24 begins.

Commander Potenza, why did you decide to give up a managerial career to start over in the nautical industry?

Office life in Milan didn't suit my temperament, and besides, as a Sicilian, I missed the sea. As a boy, to pay for my studies, I worked as a skipper and diving instructor, so—despite everyone's disapproval—I enrolled at the Nautical Institute and earned my diploma as an external student alongside other 17-year-olds. I then earned my MCA nautical qualifications in England and my Merchant Shipping Officer qualification in Italy. After working my way up the ranks, in three or four years I rose from sailor to officer to captain. It was my desire for freedom that drove me to the challenge of returning to the sea. So at 28, I started over again.

Once you became commander, what were your most formative experiences?

"In my early assignments, I worked on boats of various sizes, both sailing and motor, traveling all over the world: from America to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and even Hong Kong. I piloted increasingly larger vessels, from 30 to 50 meters. However, I believe that true experience doesn't depend on the size of the vessel, but on the type of navigation required by the owner. Working for a shipowner who loves exploring remote places means undertaking considerable pre-trip study and equally intensive work throughout the cruise. For example, I once sailed from Miami to Boston, but—most importantly—the trip to Cuba was an extremely interesting and formative experience."

What did this cruise to Cuba involve in terms of commitment and risks?

Cuba is an island closed to yachting and offers no support whatsoever. It was a real challenge, especially with fuel, which we had to retrieve from an aircraft depot with the help of a Cuban. The lack of information, nautical charts, and ports made everything uncertain. There is no assistance or feedback because no one goes to Cuba. An engine failure would have left us stranded indefinitely. After that cruise, the owner decided to sell the boat and made an appointment with me to build the next one, which is precisely the Tremenda, by Cantiere delle Marche.

Can you tell us about this owner, who is also intriguing because of the name he gave his boat?

He is the founder of a large, close-knit family of Mexican origins, who love not only a great vacation but also exploring the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of the places they visit. The name Tremenda, which means "extraordinary" in Mexican, is the name the owner has given to all his boats. I began working with him in 2016, with a break from 2020 when the boat was sold. Our relationship then resumed with the construction of the new Tremenda in 2022 for the design and spec review and in 2023 for the construction in the shipyard. In 2017 and 2018, we took the two important trips I mentioned: the one from Miami to Boston, with stops along the entire East Coast of America, was a journey into the past, historic, and beautiful: a trip that was a personal dream for both him and me. Once we returned, the owner gave me a month to plan the trip to Cuba for the period Christmas. I visited the island to talk to the people and understand the local support system. After stocking up on supplies, we set off for Havana, the gateway to Cuba. From there, we ventured south, into a true Wild West, visiting abandoned places and small villages, almost always accessible only by tender.”

What kind of experience did you have as an owner's representative in building this explorer?

"My experience with Cantiere delle Marche, which is almost family-run and builds a limited number of vessels, has been very positive. There's an almost artisanal feel to it. The boat is the result of a shared project between me, the owner, and the designer, in which I pushed for many next-generation technological solutions, even taking significant risks. When planning the work in 2021 for delivery in 2024, we were aware that technology would evolve rapidly, and we decided to eliminate traditional systems, such as the now obsolete VSAT and TVSAT antenna domes, in order to invest in new satellite systems that integrate advanced technologies, such as flat phased array antennas, such as Starlink. It was a bold decision in 2021, but today I'm satisfied with the results."

What special features did you bring to the Tremenda?

Giorgio Cassetta, a highly proactive designer, created the exterior and waterlines of the boat, also making some very attractive additions to the glazing. Together with Giorgio and the studio responsible for engineering the yacht for CdM, we modified the bow, originally purely vertical, by adding a bulbous bow. This modification gives the boat greater stability and power on the waves, combining the aesthetics of a vertical bow with the advantages necessary for our ocean sailing.

Does the risk of climate change worry you when you sail?

It's a constant concern for all of us captains. Today, boats are 99% safe thanks to various safety measures, but we can't protect ourselves from unexpected, devastating, and unfortunately increasingly frequent events. We must always be prepared, following rigorous procedures to ensure maximum safety and vessel stability.

I often think the risk is increasing. This is also why I wanted to add a bulbous bow to the boat, as well as four stabilizing fins instead of the usual two. We also worked on the keel to make it very deep and on the maximum aft beam to improve stability. Furthermore, it is one of the first boats to be equipped with an advanced electronic system that, thanks to a latest-generation CPU, connects the steering system to the stabilizing fins. This system anticipates turning maneuvers, minimizing heeling and keeping the boat in optimal trim for smoother and more comfortable navigation.

Have you ever had experiences like this in your career?

“Yes, and I felt fear, but not for myself, but rather for the well-being of the guests and crew. Fortunately, there were no injuries, just unavoidable damage to the boat. The crew's expertise was crucial; at sea, you can't handle everything alone. I'm very conservative: when I imagine a crisis, I imagine it three times worse to prepare myself and the team for the worst. Thanks to this mindset and, perhaps, a little luck, we've never had any serious incidents.”

What can you tell us about your crew?

I'm rebuilding a crew of nine, and I already have a few people I'm happy with. It would be ideal to always have the same members, especially in key roles, but sometimes that's not possible. In general, I've always worked closely with my team. The crew is crucial, as is their training, and also for the trust that must exist between us. When I give an order, I need to know it will be carried out correctly, because everyone's lives are at stake.

How can you maintain good morale amidst the challenges of working on board?

The only effective solution is to implement a balanced rotation policy. The culture has changed, and you can't expect a 20-year-old stewardess to stay on board for three months without breaks and without consequences. It's essential to give her time off to live her life. Shipowners often don't understand this. Rotation contracts supported by regulations should be established, which would radically change the situation: there would be more jobs, greater stability and professionalism, and more loyal crews.

How much do your studies in economics and commerce help you in your work as a commander?

"Today, the captain is a manager who manages bank accounts, budgets, and reports. My economics background makes this task easier. Managing works of art or long lists of products to be shipped is not easy; while many rely on external companies, I can organize everything independently."

Have you ever had assignments where the shipowner relied on management companies?

"Nowadays, having a management company is a must. We also use a company that manages various situations. These companies offer legal and regulatory protection, reassuring shipowners. In my case, having been appointed by the shipowner to my role as captain, I will deal with the management company; the downside is that this will diminish my personal relationship with the shipowner, but this change is unfortunately inevitable."

The world has changed and the shipowner wants to be more relaxed, but specifically: how has it changed?

Regulations are more restrictive today, and traveling around the world has become complicated due to VAT, flag regulations, and other issues. Before leaving, there are many bureaucratic declarations to make, and this is where management comes in handy, shouldering much of this responsibility. However, it can become invasive when it exceeds certain limits, and defining those limits is not easy.

With the owner granting them very broad powers, management can become the vessel's deus ex machina, forcing the captain to choose between being a manager or a taxi driver. In the past, everything was more nautical and romantic; today, however, we find ourselves with a large office managing a person with a complex role that is completely different from the office; this can only make communication between the parties very difficult. But this is the path the industry has taken, and since it is a private industry, I believe our role is not to judge, but only to decide whether or not to participate. The captain must maintain a decisive role, especially in critical situations, such as a sea trip in uncertain weather. When there is a management company, however, even rules like these can be called into question.

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Cantiere delle Marche has launched the 45-meter explorer yacht Tremenda.