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On August 30, 2024, the Amerigo Vespucci left Tokyo, after successfully completing its stopover in the Japanese capital.
This historic training ship of the Italian Navy, considered one of the most beautiful vessels in the world, continues its world tour, which began with a visit to Los Angeles. The next destination will be Darwin, Australia, where the Amerigo Vespucci will stop from October 4 to 7. This trip, part of the “Villaggio Italia” project, not only celebrates Italian excellence but also promotes the culture, traditions and values of Italy abroad.
The Amerigo Vespucci was launched on February 22, 1931 in Castellammare di Stabia, a shipyard with a long tradition of building military ships. The ship is named after the Italian explorer and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci, from whom the American continent inherited its name. Built to replace the previous training ship Cristoforo Colombo, the Amerigo Vespucci was designed to train cadets of the Naval Academy of Livorno, transmitting to them the fundamental skills of navigation and life on board. With its 101 meters in length, a maximum beam of 15.5 meters and a displacement of approximately 4,100 tons, the Amerigo Vespucci is a majestic ship. Its structure is characterized by three masts (foremast, mainmast and mizzen) with square sails, which can reach a height of 54 meters above sea level. These details make it one of the few sailing ships still in active service today.
The ship is equipped with 24 traditional hemp sails, for a total surface area of approximately 2,800 square meters. The aesthetics of the Amerigo Vespucci are as fascinating as its functionality. Her hull is painted in the characteristic black and white colours, with the bow adorned with a golden sculpture depicting Amerigo Vespucci. The ship’s interiors reflect the elegance of a bygone era, with fine wood and brass details that help create an atmosphere of prestige and tradition. Since her inauguration, the Amerigo Vespucci has played a fundamental role in the training of cadets of the Italian Navy. Each year, young officers are trained on board, learning the skills necessary to become expert sailors. Life on board teaches them not only navigation techniques, but also discipline, teamwork and the importance of respect for the sea.
In addition to her primary function as a training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci is also a floating ambassador for Italy. The ship has participated in numerous diplomatic and humanitarian missions, visiting ports around the world and representing the country at international events. Each visit is an opportunity to promote Italian culture and strengthen diplomatic ties with host nations. The Amerigo Vespucci’s recent visit to Tokyo was a triumph of cultural diplomacy. The “Villaggio Italia” initiative attracted thousands of Japanese visitors eager to discover the ship and immerse themselves in Italian traditions. Difesa&Servizi CEO Luca Andreoli expressed gratitude to Tokyo’s port authorities for their support, noting that the warm welcome had exceeded all expectations.
The Italian Ambassador to Japan, Gianluigi Benedetti, also praised the initiative, calling the Amerigo Vespucci a “traveling messenger” of Italian excellence. Benedetti stressed the importance of these cultural exchanges to strengthen ties between Italy and Japan, countries that share a deep respect for each other’s historical and cultural traditions. The Amerigo Vespucci’s visit marked a further step towards expanding institutional, economic, scientific and cultural relations between the two nations. After the success of the Japanese stopover, the Amerigo Vespucci is now preparing to reach Darwin, Australia, from 4 to 7 October. This visit will be another opportunity to showcase Italy’s cultural heritage and engage the local public in the activities of the “Villaggio Italia”. The ship will continue to sail the seas of the world, carrying with her a message of friendship and collaboration.
The Amerigo Vespucci is much more than a training ship; she is a living symbol of Italian history, culture and traditions. Through her missions and commitment to training, the ship continues to inspire new generations of sailors and promote Italian values around the world. Her presence in international ports not only strengthens diplomatic relations, but also offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Italy and its rich maritime heritage. With each stop on her world tour, the Amerigo Vespucci continues to leave an indelible mark, proudly representing her country and its excellence.
Alessandro Fiorentino