ROME. The iconic Amerigo Vespucci, affectionately known as Italy’s most beautiful ship, is embarking on a round-the-world voyage, bringing a taste of its homeland to foreign shores. The majestic tall ship, named after the famed explorer who lent his name to America, has set sail from Genoa in northern Italy last July, marking its first global tour in two decades.
With its three towering masts adorned with 2,700 square meters (29,000 square feet) of sails, the Vespucci is a navy vessel steeped in history. Its crew of over 260 sailors, including trainees, will traverse more than 30 ports across five continents, providing invaluable training opportunities for those onboard.
The voyage includes a series of temporary expositions, aptly named “Italy villages,” at eight key ports. The inaugural village will be established in Los Angeles next week, as announced by the defense ministry. Visitors can explore pavilions overlooking the main squares, where they’ll witness cooking shows, attend conferences, and enjoy exhibitions. And, of course, they’ll have the unique opportunity to step aboard the Vespucci itself.
Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the significance of linking the Vespucci’s rich history to Italy’s present. “We’ve transformed an ancient vessel into a driving force,” he stated during a recent news conference.
Beyond Los Angeles, the Vespucci’s journey will take it to cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, and Darwin, Australia. Notably, the Los Angeles expo will feature an aerobatics show by the Frecce Tricolori, the renowned Italian air force team.
As the Vespucci approaches the halfway point of its tour, it is expected to return to Italian waters in March 2025. In April, it achieved a historic milestone by passing through Cape Horn—the southernmost tip of South America—marking its first-ever visit to this region.
Ship commander Giuseppe Lai, speaking via video link from the vessel currently sailing off Mexico, expressed pride in the Vespucci’s global impact. “People of Italian origins worldwide are closely following our journey,” he said, underscoring the ship’s enduring allure and cultural significance.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
