A Salute to America with the Amerigo Vespucci

With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that established the United States of America, a grand parade of over thirty sailing ships from around the world will sail up the Hudson River in New York City. Seeing just one of these great vessels can put the wind in one’s sails, so to speak, but an entire flotilla… Foremost amongst them will be Italy’s Amerigo Vespucci. 

AMERIGO VESPUCCI: MOST BEAUTIFUL SHIP IN THE WORLD

Amerigo Vespucci at the port of Reggio Calabria

The connection with America begins with its name, baptized in honor of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512), who determined that Christopher Columbus had indeed discovered a New World, not the other side of Asia. America gives homage to “Amerigo” Vespucci, as does Italy’s tall ship.

Interestingly, the Amerigo Vespucci has a rather intimate connection with the US Navy. As the story goes, when sailing in the Mediterranean in 1962, the ship met the aircraft carrier USS Independence. The American vessel flashed the message, “Who are you?” At which the tall ship responded, “Training ship Amerigo Vespucci, Italian Navy.” The American response would give the sailing vessel its tagline from then on: “You are the most beautiful ship in the world.” Here’s an archival photo of the two vessels with the tall ship’s 26 sails unfurled.

USS Independence and the Amerigo Vespucci in the Mediterranean Sea

HISTORY OF THE AMERIGO VESPUCCI

Inspired by the design of a large, late-18^th-century naval warship, the Amerigo Vespucci was constructed in Castellammare di Stabia, south of Naples, and launched in 1931. The 270-foot-long, fully rigged, three-mast vessel is constructed of steel and has auxiliary diesel engines with an updated electric propulsion.

The ship has served as a naval school from its inception, both at its home dock in La Spezia and on its many educational voyages from Italian waters to the great oceans of the world. The Amerigo Vespucci is also used as an ambassador for Italian art, culture and engineering on its journeys and appearances at international events.

Fanciful brass ashtray on the Amerigo Vespucci

MY VISIT OF THE AMERIGO VESPUCCI

I had the opportunity to go aboard the Amerigo Vespucci a few years ago when it was docked in Reggio Calabria and can attest to its beauty.

From the bridge…

Bridge of the Amerigo Vespucci

To the decorative elements…

Shining detail of the ship

Even the seamen!

Author selfie with a seaman!

I find the ropes fascinating. The rig is comprised of 30 kilometers (19 miles) of hemp ropes!

Rig of the Italian tall ship

AMERIGO VESPUCCI MOTTO

The Amerigo Vespucci’s motto

The ship has three mottos in its history, beginning with “Per la Patria e per il Re” – For the homeland and the king. Then in 1946, “Saldi nella furia dei venti e degli eventi” – Steady amid the fury of the winds and events. And from 1976, the current motto gleams in brass on the ship’s deck: “Non chi comincia ma quel che persevera” – It’s not he who starts, but he who perseveres. In other words, success and the achievement of a goal don’t depend on the initial enthusiasm but on constant effort and determination in seeing it through and overcoming obstacles.

Climbing the mast looks a bit daunting!

The motto goes hand in hand with the comprehensive training and discipline of the seafaring tradition. The cadets learn the ancient sailing art, determining the ship’s position by observing the sun and stars with a sextant or through visual means with prominent coastal landmarks. The Amerigo Vespucci promotes dialogue between tradition and innovation for future officers.

AMERIGO VESPUCCI WORLD TOUR

After a 29-day crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, the Amerigo Vespucci reached the New World. Its first US stop was Baltimore, and the ship is currently in New York City to be a part of the Sail4th 250 celebrations. The ship will then head for Boston, Québec City and Montreal. To visit, you need to register on the Tours Vespucci official website and/or google it in your city as there may be more information and arrangements with local organizations. When you arrive to the ship with a reservation on your phone, remember, as you’re standing under the heat of the summer sun, Non chi comincia ma quel che persevera.

The ship’s bell

Would you like to take a trip to Italy and be immersed in the culture? Join me on one of my small-group Calabria Tours (I have three itineraries) or on my Basilicata Tour of Calabria’s northern neighbor and see a few Italian signs in person.

Read about the fascinating Calabrian region in my book Calabria: The Other Italy, described by Publisher’s Weekly as “an intoxicating blend of humor, joy, and reverence for this area in Italy’s deep south,” and explore Calabria’s northern neighbor in my book Basilicata: Authentic Italy, “recommended to readers who appreciate all things Italian” by the Library Journal.

Follow me on social media: Basilicata Facebook page, Calabria: The Other Italy’s Facebook page, Karen’s Instagram and Karen’s Twitter for beautiful pictures and information.
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CALABRIA: The Other Italy and BASILICATA: Authentic Italy make great gifts!