The “Amerigo Vespucci”, the top tall ship of the “Marina Militare” (Italian Navy), is back to Livorno, her home port. She'll leave within days with her normal crew of 16 officers, 70 NCOs and 200 sailors, with the addition of 200 midshipmen of the Naval Academy for the traditional summer training cruise.
I hope they will not end up relegated on the bowsprit as this unfortunate sailor during the mooring procedures.
Even the “ormeggiatori” (mooring dockworkers) take some time to snap each other photos with the sail ship in background. The Livornesi says that the “Vespucci” brings bad weather, but this was not true this time.
The “Vespucci” has 26 traditional canvas sails and even the rig is entirely made of hemp ropes. Only the mooring lines are synthetic to comply with maritime rules and regulations.
Except for the anchor, all the winches aboard are man-powered. On training cruises the ship is usually steered at the manual stern rudder station, operated by four steering wheels, each manned by two sailors. At other times, the hydraulically assisted steering on the bridge is used. The “Vespucci” is equipped with the latest electronic navigational instruments.Search labels: Amerigo Vespucci
External links: Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci - Marina Militare - Italian Naval Academy (Wikipedia)
21 comments:
A beautiful ship and a wonderful collection of photos to help describe it and the activity around it.
Makes one want to run away and join the Italian Navy! But that not being very likely, we get to enjoy the gorgeous shots, esp. the 1st and last.
It's been a while since I've seen it! ;-) Thanks!
She is entirely beautiful!!!
Oh my, she's a beauty!
Do they allow passengers?
What a gorgeous ship. Her wood and gilt are so warm and elegant. But my favorite shot in this series is the one of the sailor in the bowsprit.
Saw it many years ago. As impressive as ever.
These are superb photographs, VP, and really help us see the beauty of this vessel! Thank you.
One of my favorite lessons to teach in school was the story of Columbus...we never seemed to deal in any detail with Vespucci.
So, it is appropriate that this gorgeous craft be named after him...
Are visitors ever allowed on board?
By the way, I loved your comment on The Villages this morning..."faithful customers" indeed!
Heh. Heh!
@ Hilda - The only civilians allowed on cruises are staff from the Academy.
@ Jacob - She had a twin ship called “Cristoforo Colombo” that was given to the USSR as war damages (and soon dismantled).
The junior twin survived, the “Amerigo” after whom your continent is named. You risked badly to live in a country called “United States of Vespuccia”...
Visitors are gladly allowed on board every day the ship is in port.
I enjoy both the photos and the comment talks. USV? This is so much artwork, VP and Trillian, the ship and your shots.
Mm, can Stefano bring you to see on board?
Beautiful! You'd definitely have to love sailing to help run her!!!
Thank you for such beautiful pics!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!! You have some excellent photos here. This is a gorgeous ship! I feel like buying a ticket to Italy, but then I could say that any day of the week :D
This ship is like from the old stories! Great!
L'ho potuta ammirare da vicino ed è davvero splendida...e le tue immagini la riprendono in tutta la sua bellezza.
Wonderful!!!
:-)
Great photos. That ship is amazing and so large.
A great ship and some good info with the quality photos.
Beautiful shots.
Another great series detailing the subject, in this case the ship!
Beautiful old sailship... Was long time ago on one of its sisters The bricul MIRCEA. As cadet :).
Mmmm, she's truly a beauty!
These photos are truly wonderful. Especially the first two. Well done :-)
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