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            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            YachtAid Global, which works with superyachts, launched Operation Pearl to help the Philippines following Typhoon Odette
            Operation Pearl: Typhoon Disaster Relief for Philippines via YachtAid Global

            January 4, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
          • Brokerage Recent Posts
            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Bruce Brakenoff, Jr. and his team are now part of the Edmiston expansion in the USA
            Edmiston Expansion in America Sees Perini Navi USA Team Come Onboard

            September 5, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
          • Motoryachts Recent Posts
            Hargrave E Series yacht Romeo Foxtrot
            Hargrave E Series Yacht Makes Global Premiere

            March 25, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Rossinavi yacht Alchemy launched in March
            Rossinavi Yacht Alchemy Reveals Chemistry of Design & Build Teams

            March 24, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the first AB 120 yacht
            The First AB 120 Yacht Splashes, Set for American Shores

            March 21, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sailing Yachts
          • Sailing Yachts Recent Posts
            the Perini Navi Genesis fleet includes a 77m superyacht
            The Perini Navi Genesis Fleet: Famed Sailing Brand Re-imagined

            March 22, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the SW100X yacht is an all seas cruiser
            SW100X Yacht Has Seaside Lounge, No Mere Swim Platform

            March 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the first wallywind 110 yacht will be delivered in 2024
            First wallywind 110 Yacht to Sail the Med in 2024

            March 10, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht 101 owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
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          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            Yacht Life Vodka is for discerning palates
            Yacht Life Vodka Lets You Sip the Good Life

            March 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 is for the owners of a Sanlorenzo superyacht
            Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 Leans Into Fast Fun

            March 14, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection comprises inflatable furnishings for superyachts and homes
            Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection, Customer-Requested Floating Furniture

            February 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the superyacht saloon aboard the Van der Valk yacht Blue Jeans
            Yacht Blue Jeans Begins Globetrotting: Photo Gallery

            January 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Azimut Grande 26M megayacht
            Azimut Grande 26M Packs Punch in 86 Feet: Photo Gallery

            December 8, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Infinity Nine yacht
            Charter the Infinity Nine Yacht, Belonging to Former NBA Star: Photo Gallery

            November 24, 2022 By Marie Cullen

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            Savannah Yacht Center joins Safe Harbor Marinas
            Savannah Yacht Center Sells to Safe Harbor Marinas

            March 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC join forces for superyacht sales
            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC Partner for U.S. Superyacht Sales

            March 22, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            a variety of Ferretti Group yachts
            Ferretti Group Acquires Additional Shipyard for Big Boats

            March 20, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sponsored Posts
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          • Charter & Cruising Recent Posts
            go whiskey-tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf for an exceptionally memorable experience
            Go Whisky-Tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf Superyacht Charter

            March 9, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            book a Pandion Pearl yacht charter for an extraordinary itinerary
            Charter the Pandion Pearl Yacht for 14 Fabulous Destinations in 12 Days

            February 13, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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          • Destination Guide Recent Posts
            a superyacht charter in Tahiti should include Opuhohu Bay
            Superyacht Charter in Tahiti: 7 Reasons to Book Now

            February 27, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            an Ohana yacht charter in Croatia can begin and end in Split
            Yacht Charter in Croatia Isn’t Beyond Your Means

            January 25, 2023 By Jill Bobrow

            St. John is a budget-friendly charter destination for superyachts
            3 Budget-Conscious Yacht Charter Destinations for This Winter

            November 29, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
          • Marina News Recent Posts
            Jones Bay Marina is gaining superyacht slips
            Jones Bay Marina Gaining More Megayacht Berths

            March 11, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Chula Vista Marina is near the famed Third Avenue
            Chula Vista Marina Acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas

            December 25, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

  • People
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          • Consultants Recent Posts
            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the yacht Tango belongs to Russian national Viktor Vekselberg
            2 Indicted for Assisting Sanctions Evasion of the Yacht Tango

            January 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Crew
          • Crew Recent News
            CrewBlast will fill superyacht crew needs
            CrewBlast Will Connect You to Crew Seeking Jobs in Seconds

            March 18, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Irina VU yacht is a Sunseeker 115 Predator like this sistership
            Irina VU Yacht Disappearance Leads to Captain’s Arrest

            February 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht crew gyms lead to better teamwork
            7 Reasons Why Superyacht Crew Gyms Are Essential

            January 19, 2023 By Ed Thomas

    • Designer Directory
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          • Designers
            Vripack is upcycling with North Sails to get superyachts to help clean beaches
            Vripack Is Upcycling Sails Into Beach Cleanup Bags—and You Can Get One

            December 3, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Donald L. Blount, Renowned Naval Architect, Dies

            July 15, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Leadership Series
          • Leadership Series Recent Posts
            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

    • Owners
          • Owners Recent Posts
            the owner of Lady May is Guo Wengi a.k.a. Ho Wan Kwok
            Owner of Lady May Arrested for Fraud & Money Laundering

            March 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Loretta Rogers owned the superyacht Loretta Anne
            Loretta Rogers, Owner of Loretta Anne: 1939-2022

            January 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Giuseppe Taranto was the vice chairman of The Italian Sea Group superyacht conglomerate
            Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group Vice Chairman, Dies

            February 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Jan-Eric Nyfelt, a co-founder of the Baltic Yachts superyacht yard, as a young sailor
            Jan-Erik Nyfelt, Baltic Yachts Co-Founder, Dies

            February 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

  • Events
    • Awards
          • Awards Recent Posts
            the Bowsprit Award will be given at The Honours superyacht awards ceremony
            The Honours Superyacht Awards Nominations Deadline Approaching

            February 4, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Honours recognizes superyachting achievers
            The Honours Awards to Recognize Superyachting Change Makers

            September 27, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            SeaKeepers honoring Nainoa Thompson along with superyacht owners
            SeaKeepers Honoring Nainoa Thompson & Polynesian Pioneers

            August 13, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            you'll see plenty of superyachts at the Palm Beach show
            Palm Beach Boat Show Superyachts to Put on Your Must-See List

            March 8, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Flute Mirabello superyacht tender show takes place at Porto Mirabello
            Mirabello Flute Is World’s First Luxury Superyacht Tender Show

            January 13, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            DB( is among brokerage yachts at FLIBS
            4 Fantastic Brokerage Yachts at FLIBS 2022

            October 21, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

    • Fundraisers
          • Fundraisers Recent Posts
            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
            Join the Fifth London to Monaco Cycle Ride to Support BLUE

            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
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            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 Set to Kickstart the Summer

            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022
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            July 31, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht Cup
          • The Superyacht Cup Recent Posts
            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
            Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 Setting Sail: Sunday Superyacht Video

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            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
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            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            Patrick Knowles of Patrick Knowles Design
            Patrick Knowles: What Superyacht Owners Want

            March 21, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            Operation Swimway needs superyacht owners and guests to help
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            March 6, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index provides a benchmark for superyachts
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            February 24, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Yacht Videos
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            the Moonen Cocoon superyacht
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            the superyacht known as Heesen Project Setteesettanta underwent scale model tests
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            the Royal Huisman Project 406 sportfishing yacht cockpit
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            the Port of Port Angeles has a superyacht Marine Trades Center
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  • About
Home / People / Leadership Series / Claudia Potamkin, Global Oceans: Leadership Series

Claudia Potamkin, Global Oceans: Leadership Series

September 15, 2014 By: Diane M. Byrne

Claudia Potamkin (at right in photo) is a lot of things: a yacht owner, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an ocean advocate, a mother, and more. She doesn’t switch her proverbial hats according to the crowd she’s in, however. Rather, each aspect of Potamkin’s life dovetails with the others. A childhood spent canoeing with her father stimulated her love of nature. Cruising aboard larger boats as an adult, mixed with a yearning to be more environmentally responsible and a desire to teach children to do the same, inspired the creation of Global Oceans. Co-founded with Capt. Sandy Yawn (at left in photo), Global Oceans has Potamkin’s 72 Mangusta Defiance at its center. Global Oceans and Defiance treat guests to the expected luxuries of yacht charter, while remaining eco-minded. Defiance uses as many “green” products as possible. Furthermore, the yacht is a Vessel of Discovery with the International SeaKeepers Society. Disadvantaged youth cruise aboard to learn about ocean conservation. “The goal of Global Oceans is to educate, inspire, and evolve,” Potamkin explains, “bringing light to our oceans and children’s eye at the very same time.” She adds, “It’s about planting seeds.”

 

Megayacht News: How did you first become interested in boats and yachts?

Claudia Potamkin: I always had a fascination with the ocean. My parents used to take us to the beach as children, and I would splash happily in the waves and look out and wonder what was out there: “How could this wet stuff take up most of the planet?” I viscerally had an attraction and appreciation for the ocean. Mother Nature is just so generous with her riches.

 

Megayacht News: Is that the attraction of the yachting lifestyle for you—to be surrounded by the water, by everything that Mother Nature produces?

Claudia Potamkin: I spend a lot of time in the mountains, and cross-country skiing gives you access to places you can’t walk or drive. Water does the same thing. Another thing that I loved in the early days (of my boating experience) is that you could stay for an hour, or a day, or three days, or a week. You could come and go as you please. I liked anchoring because you would just stay and go; it was sort of a vagabond, free way to travel. It’s like a mobile hotel room: You go to sleep in one port and wake up in another. It’s a lovely way to see the world. Plus, it’s the people you meet. They all have such interesting stories. People who travel by water are adventurous by nature.

 

Megayacht News: Was there any pivotal moment that opened your eyes to the damage being done to the oceans?

Claudia Potamkin: It was in 1983, when (the artist) Cristo and his wife Jeanne-Claude put this polypropylene around 11 of the islands in Biscayne Bay. It was this artistic endeavor, and it was a big deal, and everyone was excited about it. Even though he got clearance for all of it, there was a lot of uproar from environmentalists: “How could you do this? This is endangering wildlife.” It didn’t matter because he had his permits, and it went forward. And I thought, “That doesn’t seem right.” To me, if something is even a question, the answer’s probably no. If you have environmentalists saying, “This is damaging,” then for the sake of art, go create something else. There are so many beautiful things you can create; why do this? So, then I started to think, “We are electing to do damage. How much damage is being done unconsciously?” It’s criminal when you see how people pollute.

The interesting tie between yachting and the ocean is the misperception that the big yachts are doing all the damage. It’s not true; it’s land-based. The yachts are the ones that can effect change. I always keep in my head, “What is it that we can do to take responsibility to make people aware?” Awareness is the first part of the problem. Once you are aware of something, chances are you’re going to change it, even if you don’t correct it 100 percent.

 

Claudia Potamkin BGC Newport decorate their drifterMegayacht News: What motivated you to go a step beyond donating to a cause? It’s a big deal to become actively involved.

Claudia Potamkin: Things always need funding; there are too many great things. A child starving today is probably more important than a fish that might be extinct in 100 years. But, in the biggest scheme, it’s all critically important. You have to teach somebody to fish, not give them a fish. It’s about educating, it’s about making people aware.

It’s easy to give money. I would never underestimate the importance of that. But in a way, if you’re giving money to somebody, then you’re preaching to the choir, because they’re already doing that good work. It takes somebody to change. We can’t change the world. I can’t change the way people treat the oceans. I can’t change the way people pollute. But I can change myself. If I’m able to do something differently, then maybe that will trickle out. When I talk to people about something that’s become more important to me, maybe they’ll think about it, too.

Editor’s note: The photo here is of Potamkin and a few children who joined her aboard Defiance for a hands-on SeaKeepers program. Among other things, they painted a drifter and launched it. The children also learned how drifters are tracked.

 

Megayacht News: Is that what also guided you to establish Global Oceans? It is a really different charter company.

Claudia Potamkin: It is. Sandy Yawn is a great friend of mine. She and I always talk about the importance of giving back and doing something good. So I wanted a boat, and I wanted to offset the expense, so we started chartering it. For Global Oceans…its life force is the education that it can deliver. To me, kids are really important. As adults, we’re kind of set in our ways, but you have to teach kids, the new generation. If we don’t teach our children, then we’re done. SeaKeepers is phenomenal, they just do such important work. With the Vessel of Discovery program, what I’m able to do is take kids out and teach them. The kids have fun; some of them have never been out on the water before. You put it in terms of what they can understand. You show them what plankton looks like under a microscope and the difference between something that’s clean and healthy and something that’s not.

There’s so much that can be done. The point is, it’s so easy to do. All you need to do is make sure your insurance is intact and take kids out and teach them and show them.

Related posts

Megayacht News Leadership Series: Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Living Oceans Foundation Amos Nachoum, pictured with Jay Wade, received honors at the International SeaKeepers Society 2019 Founders Event, attended by superyacht owners and crewJay Wade of SeaKeepers: “The Health of the Oceans Is a Global Issue” Megayacht Vava II’s Global Challenge, to Benefit YachtAid Global

Categories: Leadership Series, Owners, PeopleTags: Global Oceans, International Seakeepers Society

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  1. MichaelMoore

    September 15, 2014 at 12:18 pm

    Well done! Claudia and Sandy are two of the best persons in this world and specifically two of the best in the Yachting World. Because of people like them, the world is a better place! All of us need to follow their example.

    Reply

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