by Guisela Chiarella
he city of Trieste provided a stunning maritime and aerial spectacle on Saturday as the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy’s revered naval training ship, returned to port after an ambitious two-year global tour.
The Amerigo Vespucci, often hailed as “the most beautiful ship in the world,” drew crowds along the waterfront as it gracefully entered the harbor, marking the end of its international voyage and the beginning of a new chapter: a Mediterranean tour set to showcase Italy’s naval excellence at home.
A Symbol of Italy’s Heritage
Captain Giuseppe Lai, commander of the Vespucci, emphasized Trieste’s deep-rooted connection to Italy and its maritime legacy.
“Trieste is a symbol of Italy, both from a broader perspective and a geographical one,” Lai said. “It is a town strongly linked to our country and its patriotism. From here, it is fitting to begin a new tour of Italy, which will commence on March 27 and include stops in major ports across the nation.”
Reflecting on the challenges of the global voyage, Lai underscored the importance of crew cohesion, particularly during long stretches at sea.
“The greatest challenge is the human factor—maintaining the cohesion of the crew,” he explained. “When embarking on such an extensive journey, ensuring unity and morale is crucial.”
From a technical standpoint, navigating the ship around the world presented its own trials. “The circumnavigation of South America, and in particular the passage around Cape Horn, was one of the most formidable obstacles we faced,” Lai noted.
Now, with its international voyage complete, the Vespucci is set to embark on a 17-port Mediterranean tour, with 15 stops in Italy and two abroad. This phase of the journey will shift focus from representing Italy to the world to sharing global experiences with the Italian people.
“We will now present to Italy what we have accomplished and how Italy and Italians are perceived abroad,” Lai said.
A Legacy Preserved at Sea
For Guardiamarina Anna Testa, serving aboard the Amerigo Vespucci is an experience like no other.
“It is the oldest ship in the Italian Navy, and it is unique—not only in its shape but in its details,” Testa said. “Everything is maintained in-house, just as it was 94 years ago. We are incredibly proud of this heritage.”
Testa, who first set foot on the ship years before joining the military, recalled the profound impact of life on board.
“The moments shared with the crew are what I carry in my heart,” she said. “We are a family, and this experience is special because everything we do, we do together.”
As the Vespucci prepares to set sail once more, it does so not just as a vessel of the Italian Navy, but as a floating testament to Italy’s maritime tradition, resilience, and pride.
