Italian ship Vespucci leaves Genoa and returns 'home'

The Italian ship Amerigo Vespucci ended its mission where it began: in the port of Genoa, Liguria, northern Italy. On Sunday (15), for the last time, the "most beautiful sailboat in the world" set sail from the place where, on July 1, 2023, it set off to sail the world, with the difference that now it is more loaded - with stories and memories.

Tourists, residents and curious onlookers said goodbye to the Navy's training ship, as its silhouette disappeared into the horizon.

It was "an epic journey", said Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, referring to the tour carried out by the crew of the Vespucci, which has now returned to the port of La Spezia, its "home".

This is because, for two years, the sailors of the 94-year-old ship took Made in Italy through the traveling exhibition "Villaggio Italia", traveling to the four corners of the world, more than 80 thousand kilometers sailed on five continents and 32 countries, including Brazil in October 2023, with stops in Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro.

Vespucci returned home with a logbook full of photographs and dedications from hundreds of authorities from all over the world during his visits. The memory of those who lived the experience on the "most beautiful sailboat in the world" remains present in every port he visited.

The ship returned to Genoa on June 10, when it was received with a party by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who awarded a medal of honor to the sailors of the Vespucci.