by InTrieste
The Amerigo Vespucci, the storied training ship of Italy’s Navy, and a symbol of the country’s rich maritime heritage, is currently on a historic global tour. Known as one of Italy’s most recognizable ambassadors, the Vespucci, which has sailed the world’s seas for over 90 years, is blending its traditional role in naval diplomacy with the promotion of Italian culture and craftsmanship in ports around the globe.
The initiative, called the “World Tour,” is not merely a naval mission but a showcase of Italy’s excellence, involving an “Italy Village” — a traveling mini-Expo — that promotes the nation’s food, fashion, and design, wherever the ship docks. Supported by 11 ministries and spearheaded by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, the tour seeks to highlight Italy’s cultural and economic contributions on a global stage. The project is carried out in collaboration with Difesa Servizi SpA, a government agency under the Ministry of Defense.
But for Italy’s sailing community, the real excitement is reserved for the ship’s return to national waters. In February 2025, the Vespucci is scheduled to arrive in the Gulf of Trieste, coinciding with a special edition of Barcolana, the world’s largest regatta, a beloved institution that annually draws thousands of sailors and spectators to Italy’s northeastern coast.
“We are incredibly honored to organize the celebrations, both on land and at sea, for the Vespucci’s return to national waters,” said Mitja Gialuz, president of the Sailing Society of Barcola and Grignano, which oversees the event. “We are preparing a project that embodies the spirit of our regatta and welcomes the Vespucci in a way that celebrates Italy’s maritime tradition.”
The Barcolana, which first took place in 1969, has evolved from a local sailing race into a sprawling sea festival that celebrates Italy’s coasts, culture, and natural beauty. Trieste, with its deep naval history and unique maritime identity, provides the perfect backdrop for the Vespucci’s return. Partnering with RAI, Italy’s national broadcaster, the event will mark the culmination of the ship’s world tour, just as it transitions into an Italian coastal voyage that will conclude in Genoa in June 2025, in time for Navy Day.
“All Italians are eagerly awaiting the return of the Vespucci,” said Luca Andreoli, CEO of Difesa Servizi, which has been central to organizing the world tour. “Celebrating this moment with a special edition of Barcolana is a significant way to welcome her back into the Mediterranean.”
A beacon of Italy’s naval tradition, the Vespucci plays a vital role in the training of young officers from the Italian Naval Academy. This world tour, which began in 2023, involves some of the most challenging and geopolitically significant waters in the world, including Gibraltar, the Malacca Strait, and the Suez Canal. Of particular note was the ship’s recent passage around Cape Horn — a rite of passage for sailors that symbolizes the Vespucci’s legacy of navigating some of the world’s most perilous seas.
Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, emphasized the importance of the Vespucci’s educational mission. “The 2023-2025 World Tour is a unique opportunity to combine the training of our naval officers with high-level professional navigation, as well as strategic diplomatic engagements,” he said.
As the Vespucci approaches its return to Italy, anticipation is building not only among naval officers but also across the broader Italian public. The ship’s arrival in Trieste promises to be a spectacle, merging military pageantry with the spirited tradition of the Barcolana regatta.
This year’s Barcolana is already a massive affair. More than 1,750 boats are registered for Barcolana56, presented by Generali, solidifying the event’s place as the world’s largest sailing competition. The addition of the Vespucci will elevate the spectacle, creating a moment that reflects Italy’s deep connection to the sea.
As Italy looks ahead to February 2025, the arrival of the Amerigo Vespucci will not only mark the ship’s return to its homeland but also symbolize the enduring influence of Italian culture and craftsmanship on the world stage. In the words of Andreoli: “When common values and goals are shared, great results can be achieved. The Vespucci’s extraordinary tour is living proof of that.”
