Italian Tall Ship Vespucci Sets Off on World Tour to Promote “Made in Italy”

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“Today the Italian culture, history, innovation, wine and food, science, research, technology, industry -a set of items that makes Italy one of the most evocative brand-names the world over- are setting sail aboard Italian Tall Ship Vespucci. This is an incredibly important day for Genova and the Navy, and especially for Italy. This ship will set sail flagging the Italian flag, and taking on a world tour all that Italy stands for. Every nation where the Vespucci will drop anchor will not only host “the most beautiful ship in the world” but Italy itself”, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on the occasion of the departure of the Vespucci Tall Ship for a world tour that will see the Italian Navy be a “Made in Italy” ambassador.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry Francesco Lollobrigida; Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Picchetto Fratin; Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè; Minister of Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi; Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi; Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi; Undersecretary of State for Defence Isabella Rauti; Undersecretary of State for Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago; Undersecretary of State for Economy and Finance Lucia Albano.

During the 20-month voyage the Italian ship will dock at over 31 ports in 28 nations, visiting all 5 continents.

“This ship will be heartily welcomed because every coutry where it will drop anchor will not only host “the most beautiful ship in the world” but Italy itself”, Minister Crosetto said, expressing his gratitude to all those who have supported him and believed in this initiative.

In fact the project, launched by the Ministry of Defence, saw the participation of 11 more Ministries.

In Genova Minister Crosetto also expressed his greetings to the Navy Academy cadets and their parents.

The initiative will join the cadets’ traditional educational and training activity and the promotion of the Italian sectors of excellence at ports where the Amerigo Vespucci will dock over approximately 2 years, while it circumnavigates the world.

The Vespucci Tall Ship, already a UNICEF and UNESCO ambassador, will be a multiplier of our national culture and values, paying great attention to safeguarding the seas and sustainability.

The ship set-off was marked by the fly-over of the Frecce Tricolori, the national aerobatic team, over the Gulf of Genova.

The event was organized jointly with Difesa Servizi SpA.

During his speech Minister Crosetto recalled Second Navy Lieutenant Michele Savarese, who passed away recently during an exercise.