“The “liner”? It’s ancient history” / INTERVIEW

Genoa - Piero Buatier de Mongeot is the memorable captain of the Eugenio C. Now at ninety, he’s revered as a seafaring living legend. He is a contributor to Secolo XIX, recounting his sailing life in “L’Ultimo dei transatlantici”, “The Last of the transatlantic” (Published by Le Mani, 2002).

Which was better to command the Eugenio C as the last ocean liner or as a cruise ship? “Definitely the cruise ship...Keep in mind that the Eugenio-liner always sailed between Italy and Argentina: the shift to cruises meant an end to the monotony.”

But, it was during a cruise on the Eugenio C that you had one of your most dramatic experiences as a captain.
“A storm, as we were completing our second round-the- world journey. We were taking 30 degree rolls. I had everyone confined to their cabins, like under martial law! We had no casualties and managed to find shelter in the Belle Ile. I stayed on the bridge for 56 straight hours...”

Those two round-the-world trips have remained dear to you.
“Well, they’re up there with my most wonderful experiences. We were the first in China, at the time Mao’s wife was ruling. I must say that the most fascinating routes I undertook were during the two years under the Princess banner, as captain of the Carla C. Our home port was Los Angeles: Alaska, Caribbean, South America.”

The decades of the 60’s and 70’s: Private fleet vs. Public fleet.
“We, in the private were “poorer”, we got good wages but less. It was all less sophisticated, then. That helped us get by and to survive, unlike the publically owned fleet.”