Did you know that Italy is the only country in the world to have a ‘floating embassy’? We are talking about the sailing ship Amerigo Vespucci, the pride of the Italian Navy and the extraordinary ambassador of Made in Italy’s history, values and culture.
You will certainly have heard of this iconic ship because of the 1962 episode of its encounter with the aircraft carrier USS Independence, which crossed her in the waters of the Mediterranean. When the Italian ship was asked to identify herself, the reply was, ‘Training ship Amerigo Vespucci. Italian Navy.’ The American commander replied with a phrase that became famous: ‘The most beautiful ship in the world.’
Around the world, in 30 ports and 27 countries
On July 1, 2023, at 2 p.m., the Amerigo Vespucci set sail from the port of Genoa for its second circumnavigation of the Earth (the first was in 2003-2005). The plan is to cross three oceans, touch five continents, and stop at 30 ports in 27 countries!
In every port where the Amerigo Vespucci will dock, it will be possible to board and visit (free of charge) this beautiful ‘floating embassy’ of Italy in the world.
A world tour that will last 19 months (until February 2025) and that aims to combine the traditional trainee officers’ training activities with the promotion of Italian excellence where the Amerigo Vespucci will dock.
92 years and counting
An undisputed symbol of the Italian Navy, the Amerigo Vespucci left the then Regio Cantiere Navale in Castellamare di Stabia on 22 February 1931. The date was not a random choice, as it commemorates the day the Florentine navigator Amerigo Vespucci died. The sailing ship measures 101 metres in length, and the mast is 54 metres high. The hull is made of steel with studded plates. The ship is equipped with a bowsprit and three masts (foremast, mainmast, and mizzen). There are 24 sails, including square and lateen sails, for a total area of 2635 square metres of canvas. At 92 years of age, the Amerigo Vespucci is a legend and is the only ship to which even cruisers must give priority. In fact, it falls into the category of sailing vessels with difficulty in manoeuvring. Her motto is a quote credited to Leonardo da Vinci: ‘Not he who begins but he who perseveres.’
Learning to sail
There are no guns or artillery on board. On the Amerigo Vespucci, you learn how to be at sea, how to operate and use nautical instruments, and, above all, how to be a crew and work together. The commander is Captain Luigi Romagnoli, 47 years old from Genoa, who has just completed essential missions and will, as per tradition, leave the helm to a new Commander after 12 months in command.
“The Most Beautiful Ship in the World”, which has always sailed except in 1940, is an offshore storytelling, a symbol of seafaring, a dream, an example of professionalism, passion, attention to detail and respect for traditions!