This week, Darwin will become the only Australian port to host the famed Italian tall ship, Amerigo Vespucci, on its two-year global voyage visiting 28 countries across five continents.
To be moored at Fort Hill Wharf on Darwin’s waterfront from 5-7 October, the iconic military vessel will spearhead a three-day festival in Darwin celebrating Italian culture and innovation, naval diplomacy, and marine environmental protection.
Launched in 1931 and considered the world’s most beautiful ship, Amerigo Vespucci is named after the Italian explorer who, around 1500, determined that the land mass discovered by Columbus was not part of Asia, resulting in the name, America.
Operating as a full-time Italian naval training ship, the three-masted vessel with 24 sails has a top speed of 15 knots and carries a crew of approximately 250 personnel.
The much-anticipated arrival of the full square rigged ship follows recent Italian navy activity in the Indo-Pacific, with aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and ITS Alpino having passed through Darwin in July.
More than just a ship, the Amerigo Vespucci acts as a floating ambassador of Italian culture in partnership with Villaggio Italia, a multi-year traveling world exhibition of all things Italian.
Northern Territory Government Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said Territorians were thrilled to be welcoming Amerigo Vespucci on its first ever visit to Australia and to celebrate the contributions of Italy to the world.
“We are delighted that Darwin will be the 24th stop on this world tour, and the only Australian destination the ship will dock,” she said.
“This visit recognises our own incredible maritime and military legacy that is a huge tourism attraction, as well as the vital, multi-national ongoing naval presence in Darwin that supports peace and security in our region.
“Locals will be able to board the ship, attend Italian cinema and classical music performances ashore, including a concert by maestro Umberto Clerici and members of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra on 7 October.
“With so much happening, it will be a wonderful time for Australian-Italians, Territorians and visitors to immerse themselves in Italian culture, endeavours and goodwill.
“They will also have the opportunity to see the world’s first fully accessible catamaran, Lo Spirito di Stella, designed by a paraplegic to make sailing more inclusive,” she said.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
