The Amerigo Vespucci has rounded Cape Horn for the first time, a crossroads between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, one of the most challenging passages in the world for navigation due to the continuous disturbances created by the proximity to Antarctica, which push enormous masses of water towards the Drake Passage, where the seabed goes from 4 thousand to 100 metres. «Pride of Defense and symbol of Italian excellence, on board, with the crew, it is navigating the entire country system to promote the excellence of Made in Italy», commented the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto.
Amerigo Vespucci leaves for a world tour, Crosetto: “As he passes by, the world will see Italy”
He world tour
The historic sailing ship and training ship of the Navy, one of the symbols of Italy in the world, began its world tour at the behest of Crosetto, leaving from the port of Genoa on 1 July 2023. «In every nation – Crosetto had said – no only the most beautiful ship in the world will arrive, but Italy.” In each landing, the intent is to combine the traditional training activity of officer cadets and the promotion of Italian excellence. During the trip, which will last two years, the “Villaggio Italia” is set up where the activities of the individual ministries involved come together: a showcase of Made in Italy and Italian culture, also conceived by the Government as an opportunity for our businesses.
A 93 year old ship
The motto of the Amerigo Vespucci training ship is “Not those who begin but those who persevere”. It is the oldest naval unit in service in the Navy: it turned 93 years old last February 22nd: sailing with engine, it has three vertical masts (52 meter foremast, 56 meter mainmast and 45 meter mizzen), equipped with spars and 24 sails, with a total surface area of 2,635 square meters. The ship’s hull measures 82 meters at the waterline, while the maximum overall length is 101 metres; its width is 15.6 meters and its full load displacement is equal to 4,300 tonnes. The speed record that she can reach is 14.6 knots (27 km/h).
The crew
On board the Amerigo Vespucci there are 264 soldiers, supplemented by around one hundred students each year and by support staff from the Naval Academy, for a total of around 400 sailors embarked on training campaigns. Those for the students of the first class of the Naval Academy were 87 between 1931 and 2023. The first circumnavigation of the globe was carried out between May 2002 and September 2003. The one undertaken in 2023 is therefore the second circumnavigation of the world, which includes stops in over 30 ports in 28 countries, touching five continents of the globe by February 2025. On April 28th the Vespucci will enter the port of Valparaiso in Chile.
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2024-04-06 12:20:41