On a day that will go down in the history of Italian shipping, the Amerigo Vespucci, emblem of Italy in the world, marked an unprecedented milestone by rounding Cape Horn for the first time. This passage, known to be one of the most difficult in the world due to the disturbances created by the proximity to Antarctica, testifies to the skill and determination of the crew of the Italian Navy's historic training ship.
Departing from the port of Genoa on 1 July 2023, at the behest of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, the sailing ship has embarked on a world tour to promote the excellence of Made in Italy. Crosetto expressed great pride for this significant achievement, emphasising the value of the Amerigo Vespucci as a symbol of Italian excellence and Defence pride.
The Vespucci's mission is not only a demonstration of nautical mastery but also a unique opportunity to convey Italian values and excellence in over 30 ports in 28 countries, crossing five continents. Each stop is an opportunity to combine the training activities of the officer cadets with the promotion of Italian excellence, through the setting up of the 'Villaggio Italia', an exhibition of the virtues and culture of the Bel Paese.
The motto of the Amerigo Vespucci, 'Not he who begins but he who perseveres'resounds powerfully on board a ship that turned 93 this year, remaining the oldest naval unit in active service in the Navy. With its three vertical masts and 24 sails, the ship presents a spectacular maritime profile, capable of reaching a speed of 14.6 knots.
The crew, consisting of 264 military personnel, one hundred annual cadets and Naval Academy support staff, live and work in an environment of close cooperation and continuous learning. The training imparted during these campaigns proved crucial for the Naval Academy's first class cadets, contributing to the professional development of generations of sailors.
Commander Giuseppe Lai, at the helm during the passage to Cape Horn, expressed his excitement and pride at the achievement, emphasising the profound significance of this feat for the crew and the entire country.
As the Amerigo Vespucci prepares to enter the port of Valparaiso, Chile, next 28 April, the whole of Italy is celebrating this historic sailing ship, recognising its role as an ambassador of Italian excellence on the seas of the world. With its second round-the-world voyage, the Amerigo Vespucci continues to sail not only across oceans but into the hearts of anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship, tradition and spirit of adventure that define Italy.
