Speaking with Carlos Petisco, captain of Adey IV

Carlos Petisco is one of the longest-serving active captains at the Club.

How did you start in the world of boats?

My career began in the Navy in 1984, and in 1991, after obtaining the Offshore Skipper certification, I transitioned to working on yachts. In 2002, I took charge of Escuela del Mar, where, together with my team, I oversee training programs for nautical certifications, ranging from the basic navigation license to the professional skipper certification for recreational vessels.

How long have you been the captain of the Adey IV?

It’s been 29 years, although in reality, I’ve been a captain at the Club de Mar-Mallorca for 33 years. I started working in 1992 on a 20-meter boat, which at the time was considered a large yacht. I believe I am the longest-serving captain of a Spanish-flagged vessel.

What stands out about the Adey IV?

It’s a great boat, no doubt. It’s a Ferretti 68 that was acquired in 2001. The quality of its engines and finishes have allowed it to remain in such good condition over the past two decades, though it’s also true that both the owners and the crew have taken great care of it.

What has been your worst moment on the boat?

The truth is, we’ve gone through a few storms. The worst was crossing the Menorca Channel. The Adey IV has proven to be a very reliable yacht in rough seas. Overall, it’s a great boat to sail. The owners primarily use it in the summer. We’ve sailed across France, Italy, Portugal, and of course, Spain.

Have you always worked for the same owners?

Yes, in reality, over the years, you become an extension of the family. Apart from being the captain of the boat, you become a person of absolute trust. What you see and hear stays on the boat. I remember in the boom years, how captains would jump from one boat to another because they were in high demand. I’ve always maintained that if you’re a good professional on a private yacht and stay loyal, you can have a long professional career on the same vessel, achieving a good symbiosis.

What has changed since you started?

In the past, it wasn’t difficult to start as a captain of a Spanish-flagged boat. Now, everything has become much more complicated because there are very few Spanish yachts left, due to the lack of generational turnover among the owners, and the migration of many Spanish owners to other flags.

What do you think of the new facilities of Club de Mar-Mallorca that are currently under construction?

I think it’s an interesting and future-oriented investment, and it was very necessary to carry it out. For me, Club de Mar-Mallorca is my home. The entire Club team has always treated me, and also the yachts I’ve managed, with the utmost care.