View source for Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci

{{Short description|Tall ship of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = Amerigo vespucci 1976 nyc aufgetakelt.jpg
| Ship caption = ''Amerigo Vespucci'' in [[New York Harbor]], 1976
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship country = Italy
| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Italy|naval}}
| Ship name = ''Amerigo Vespucci''
| Ship namesake = [[Amerigo Vespucci]]
| Ship ordered = 
| Ship builder = 
| Ship original cost = 
| Ship laid down = 12 May 1930
| Ship launched = 22 February 1931
| Ship acquired = 
| Ship commissioned = 26 May 1931
| Ship decommissioned = 
| Ship In service = 
| Ship out of service = 
| Ship renamed = 
| Ship struck = 
| Ship reinstated = 
| Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|247999000}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: IABJ
| Ship motto = * [[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Non chi comincia ma quel che persevera''
* [[English language|English]]: "Not he who begins but he who perseveres"
| Ship honours = 
| Ship captured = 
| Ship fate = 
| Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}
| Ship notes = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship class = [[Full-rigged ship]]
| Ship tonnage = * {{GT|3410}}
* {{NetT|1203}}
| Ship displacement = * {{convert|4146|t|LT|abbr=on|lk=in}} full load
| Ship length = * {{convert|100.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} [[length overall|LOA]] including bowsprit
* {{convert|82.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[length between perpendiculars|LPP]]
| Ship beam = {{convert|15.56|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| Ship height = {{convert|54.0|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|7.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| Ship draft = 
| Ship hold depth = 
| Ship propulsion = * 26 sails, {{convert|2635|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}
* 2 × [[diesel engine]]s generator [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 12VM33F2, {{convert|1.360|kW|bhp|abbr=on}} each
* 2 × [[diesel engine]]s generator [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 8VM23F2, {{convert|760|kW|bhp|abbr=on}} each
* 1 × Electrical Propulsion Engine (MEP) ex Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali (NIDEC ASI) CR1000Y8 (2 × {{convert|750|kW|bhp|abbr=on}})
| Ship sail plan = 
| Ship complement = * 15 officers
* 64 NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers)
* 185 sailors
* 130 Naval Academy Cadets and Support Staff (when embarked)
| Ship sensors = 2 × navigation radars [http://www.gemrad.com/ GEM Elettronica] AN/SPN-753(V)5
| Ship armament = 
| Ship notes = 
| Ship speed = * Sails, {{convert|15|kn|km/h}}
* Engines, {{convert|11|kn|km/h}}
}}
|}
[[File:Sail 1980.ogv|thumb|The ''Amerigo Vespucci'' in Amsterdam (1980)]]
[[File:Amerigoship.png|thumb|Line drawing Amerigo Vespucci]]

The '''''Amerigo Vespucci''''' is a [[tall ship]] of the [[Italian Navy]] (''Marina Militare'') named after the explorer [[Amerigo Vespucci]]. Her home port is [[La Spezia]], [[Italy]], and she is in use as a [[training ship]].

==History==
In 1925, the [[Regia Marina]] ordered two training ships to a design by General Lieutenant Francesco Rotundi of the Italian Navy Engineering Corps, inspired by the style of large late 18th century 74-cannon [[ship of the line|ships of the line]] (like the Neapolitan ship ''Monarca''). The first, the ''[[Dunay (tall ship)|Cristoforo Colombo]]'', was put into service in 1928 and was used by the [[Italian Navy]] until 1943. After [[World War II]], this ship was handed over to the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] as part of the [[war reparation]]s and was shortly afterwards decommissioned.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naples Life, Death & Miracle |url=http://www.naplesldm.com/criscol.php |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=www.naplesldm.com}}</ref>

The second ship was the ''Amerigo Vespucci'', built in 1930 at the (formerly Royal) [[Regio Cantiere di Castellammare di Stabia|Naval Shipyard]] of [[Castellammare di Stabia]] ([[Naples]]). She was launched on 22 February 1931,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marina.difesa.it/uominimezzi/navi/Pagine/Vespucci_ENG.aspx |title=The history of Amerigo Vespucci |work=[[Marina Militare]] |publisher=[[Italian Defense Ministry]] |language=it |access-date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122050/http://www.marina.difesa.it/uominimezzi/navi/Pagine/Vespucci_ENG.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and put into service in July of that year.

The vessel is a [[Full-rigged ship|full-rigged]] three-masted steel hull {{cvt|82.4|m|ft}} long, with an overall length of {{cvt|101|m|ft}} including the bowsprit and a maximum width of {{cvt|15.5|m|ft}}. She has a draught of about {{cvt|7|m|ft}} and a displacement at full load of 4146&nbsp;[[ton]]s. Under auxiliary diesel-electric propulsion the ''Amerigo Vespucci'' can reach {{convert|10|kn|km/h}} and has a range of 5450&nbsp;[[Nautical mile|nm]] at 6.5&nbsp;knots.

[[File:Amerigo Vespucci, Akershus Festning, Norway.jpg|thumb|The ''Amerigo Vespucci'' in the harbor of [[Oslo, Norway|Oslo]], 2005. [[Akershus Fortress]] in the background.]]
[[File:Le grand voilier Amerigo Vespucci (114).JPG|thumb|The ''Amerigo Vespucci'', after the modernization works, in the harbor of [[La Rochelle]], 2018.]]
The three steel [[mast (sailing)|mast]]s are 50, 54 and 43 metres high, and carry [[sail]]s totaling {{cvt|2824|m2|sqft}}. The ''Amerigo Vespucci'' has 26 sails – [[Sail-plan|square sails]], [[staysail]]s, and [[jib]]s: all are traditional [[canvas]] sails. When under sail in severe sea and wind conditions she can reach {{convert|12|kn|km/h}}. The rig, some 30&nbsp;km of [[rope]]s, uses only traditional [[hemp]] ropes; only the [[Mooring (watercraft)|mooring]] lines are synthetic, to comply with port regulations.

The [[hull (ship)|hull]] is painted black with two white stripes, harking back to the two [[gun deck]]s of the ships her design is based on, but she carries only two 6pdr saluting guns in pivot mountings on the deck, forward of the mainmast. The [[deck (ship)|deck]] planks are of [[teak]] wood and must be replaced every three years. [[Bow (ship)|Bow]] and [[stern]] are decorated with intricate ornaments; she has a life-size [[Figurehead (object)|figurehead]] of [[Amerigo Vespucci]]. The stern gallery is accessible only through the Captain's saloon.

The standard crew of the ''Amerigo Vespucci'' is 16 [[Commissioned officer|officers]], 70 [[non-commissioned officer]]s and 190 [[sailor]]s. In summer, when she embarks the [[midshipmen]] of the [[Accademia Navale di Livorno|Naval Academy (''Accademia Navale'')]], the crew totals some 450.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}

In 1964, the ship was fitted with two 4-stroke, 8-cylinder [[FIAT]] B 308 ESS [[Diesel engine|diesel]] engines, which replaced the original 2-stroke 6-cylinder [[FIAT]] Q 426 engines.  These engines generated electric power for one electric propulsion motor that produced up to about {{cvt|1471|kW|hp}}.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}

After update works, between 2013 and 2016, the ship has been fitted with two 4-stroke, 12-cylinder [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]], 1,32 MW each [[diesel engine]] generators and two 4-stroke, 8-cylinder MTU, 760&nbsp;kW each [[diesel engine]] generators,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marina.difesa.it/Notiziario-online/Pagine/20151215_vespucci.aspx |title=Prima accensione dei nuovi motori. Nave Vespucci torna a far sentire la sua voce. |work=[[Marina Militare]] |date=16 December 2015 |first=Antonio |last=Tudisco |language=it |publisher=[[Ministero Della Difesa]] |access-date=13 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127010728/http://www.marina.difesa.it/Notiziario-online/Pagine/20151215_vespucci.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> and one NIDEC (Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali) electric engine.<ref>http://www.nidec-asi.com/_modules/download/download/en/Amerigo_Vespucci.pdf{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ambdublino.esteri.it/ambasciata_dublino/it/ambasciata/news/dall_ambasciata/2016/08/marina-militare-training-tall-ship.html |title=MARINA MILITARE: TRAINING TALL SHIP AMERIGO VESPUCCI WILL VISIT DUBLIN (IRELAND) FROM 10th TILL 13th AUGUST 2016 |date=10 August 2016 |access-date=9 July 2018 |work=Ambasciata d'Italia |publisher=Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710011057/https://ambdublino.esteri.it/ambasciata_dublino/it/ambasciata/news/dall_ambasciata/2016/08/marina-militare-training-tall-ship.html |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the same work, the ship has been fitted with new radar GEM Elettronica AN/SPS-753(V)5, new satellite antenna ORBIT AL-7103.

When carrying cadets, the ship is usually steered from the manual stern [[rudder]] station, which is operated by four steering wheels with two men each. At other times, the hydraulically assisted steering on the bridge is used. Except for the anchor [[winch]], the winches aboard are not power operated. The bridge is equipped with modern electronic [[navigation]] instruments.

Other than during [[World War II]], the ''Amerigo Vespucci'' has been continually active. Most of her training cruises are in European waters, but she has also sailed to [[North America|North]] and [[South America]], and navigated the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]. In 2002, she undertook a voyage around the world.

In 1960, ''Vespucci'' carried the [[Olympic torch]] from [[Piraeus]] to [[Syracuse, Sicily|Syracuse]] for the [[1960 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]] in [[Rome]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Torch Olympic Games 1960 Rome |url=https://www.olympic-museum.de/torches/olympic-games-torch-1960.php |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=www.olympic-museum.de}}</ref>

[[File:USS Independence (CVA-62) underway with sailing ship Amerigo Vespucci in the Mediterranean Sea, 12 July 1962 (USN 1061619).jpg|thumb|USS Independence (CVA-62) underway with sailing ship Amerigo Vespucci in the Mediterranean Sea, 12 July 1962.]]
While sailing the [[Mediterranean Sea]] in 1962, the American [[aircraft carrier]] [[USS Independence (CV-62)|USS ''Independence'']] flashed the ''Amerigo Vespucci'' with the light signal asking: "Who are you?" The full-rigged ship answered: "Training ship ''Amerigo Vespucci'', [[Italian Navy]]." The ''Independence'' replied: "You are the most beautiful ship in the world."<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 October 2012 |title=A bordo della Vespucci, la nave più bella del mondo |language=it |newspaper=[[Il Secolo XIX]] |publisher=Gedi News Network S.P.A. |url=http://www.ilsecoloxix.it/p/genova/2012/10/09/APiJS5eD-bordo_della_vespucci.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=15 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520081556/http://www.ilsecoloxix.it/p/genova/2012/10/09/APiJS5eD-bordo_della_vespucci.shtml |archive-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> In 2022, the ''Amerigo Vespucci'' sailed by the American [[aircraft carrier]] [[USS George H.W. Bush|USS ''George H.W. Bush'']], which saluted the ship and commented: "You are still, after 60 years, the most beautiful ship in the world."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amerigo Vespucci You are still after 60 years the most beautiful ship in the world | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlgB53_SD94}}</ref>{{Unreliable source|date=June 2024|reason=YouTube video from a minor organization|certain=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strengthening Partnerships, Recreating History: George H.W. Bush Sails Alongside Amerigo V |url=https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/News/Article/3148858/strengthening-partnerships-recreating-history-george-hw-bush-sails-alongside-am/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa / U.S.  Sixth Fleet |language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''Amerigo Vespucci'' often takes part in sailing parades and [[The Tall Ships' Races|Tall Ships' Races]], where she is in amicable rivalry with the ''[[Gorch Fock (1958)|Gorch Fock]]''. When she is berthed in port, public tours of the vessel are usually offered. The ship circumnavigated the globe in 2003. Starting from 2013, the ''Vespucci'' depends directly on the [[Commander in Chief Naval Fleet]].

[[File:Amerigo Vespucci A 5312.jpg|alt=Amerigo Vespucci A 5312, on his visit to Argentina, march 2024.|thumb|The'' Amerigo Vespucci'' on her visit to Argentina, March 2024.]]
The ship received major modernization works from 2013 to 2016.

On 22 November 2024, ''Amerigo Vespucci'' conducted a joint sailing exercise with the [[INS Tarangini (A75)|INS ''Taringi'']] of the [[Indian Navy]] off the coast of [[Kochi]], India.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-11-24 |title=INS Tarangini undertakes joint sailing with Italy’s Amerigo Vespucci |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ins-tarangini-undertakes-joint-sailing-with-italys-amerigo-vespucci/article68905872.ece#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=17325963411912&csi=0&referrer=https://www.google.com&ampshare=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ins-tarangini-undertakes-joint-sailing-with-italys-amerigo-vespucci/article68905872.ece |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Tender==
In April 2015 tender NC90 was replaced by the following:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.velaemotore.it/nuovo-tender-per-la-vespucci-vela-12610 |title=Il nuovo tender della Vespucci |date=13 April 2015 |access-date=9 July 2018 |work=Vela e Motore |publisher=Edisport Editoriale srl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708221031/http://www.velaemotore.it/nuovo-tender-per-la-vespucci-vela-12610 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Shipyard: Cantiere Nautico Tagliapietra,  [[Venice]]
* displacement: {{convert|6|t|LT|abbr=on|lk=in}}
* length: {{convert|10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
* beam: {{convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
* propulsion: 2 x [[FIAT|FPT]] S30 {{convert|170|HP|kW|abbr=on}} each
* speed: {{convert|16|kn|km/h}}
* range: {{convert|180|nmi|abbr=on}}

== See also ==
* [[List of large sailing vessels]]
* [[Tall Ships' Races]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Amerigo Vespucci (ship, 1931)}}
*[http://www.congedativespucci.it Congedati Vespucci] Amerigo Vespucci's crew web site
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040207135249/http://www.port-of-rome.com/mare_vivo/vespucci.htm Italian web site] about the ''Amerigo Vespucci'', with [https://web.archive.org/web/20010428233830/http://www.port-of-rome.com/mare_vivo/av_partico.htm images] of the interior. (In Italian.)

{{Portal bar|Italy|Engineering}}
{{Ship classes of the Marina Militare|noshipclass=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amerigo Vespucci}}
[[Category:Individual sailing vessels]]
[[Category:Training ships of the Italian Navy]]
[[Category:Tall ships of Italy]]
[[Category:Training ships of the Regia Marina]]
[[Category:Full-rigged ships]]
[[Category:Ships built in Castellammare di Stabia]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:1931 ships]]