HONOLULU — Described as “the most beautiful ship in the world,” the Italian Navy’s most senior vessel, Amerigo Vespucci, will dock at Pier 9 at Honolulu Harbor for four days and the Italian Navy invites the public for free tours, July 25-28.
The nearly 100-year-old sailing ship is currently on its second circumnavigation of the globe that began in 2023 and will continue through 2025. With 93 years of service under its belt, the ship will be at sea for 20 months and visit 36 ports in 32 countries.
The Honolulu stop marks the 21st stage of the world tour coming after an 18-day, 2,500-mile voyage from Los Angeles, California. This is the ship’s second visit to Hawaii; the first was in 2002 during its first world tour.
Visitors will get a close-up view of the tradition of ancient maritime craftsmanship in the vessel’s elegant and majestic design on three decks. A distinguishing highlight is the Amerigo Vespucci’s detailed prow made of wood and covered in pure gold leaf. Crew members will be on hand to answer questions.
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Seas,” the three-masted Amerigo Vespucci launched on Feb. 22, 1931, and is still active as it provides training for first-year cadets of the Naval Academy, as well as students from various other naval training institutes and youths of different sailing associations, according to a release.
On July 30, 2007, the Vespucci was named a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF entrusted to deliver a message of peace and hope to millions of children worldwide. The appointment was renewed in 2016.
Its commitment to protect the natural heritage and marine environment has enabled collaborations with organizations such as UNIFCEF, the World Wildlife Fund and Marevivo (an environmental organization headquartered in Italy that protects the ocean and its resources) to instill respect for the Earth in younger generations.
In addition to incorporating the wind for sail propulsion, the ship is equipped with a diesel-electric integrated system, as well as modern technologies for energy efficiency and reducing its environmental impact.
On April 5, 2024, the Vespucci rounded Cape Horn, known as the “Southernmost Point of the World.” It’s where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet in Drake Passage, one of the world’s most challenging passages for navigation.
Meticulous planning and a knowledgeable evaluation of weather and sea conditions were essential to the successful passage.
This was the first time in its history the ship had navigated this path, marking a new chapter in “the art of navigation. It’s considered a key moment, a new goal achieved for the Amerigo Vespucci.
The Vespucci’s next stop will be Tokyo, Japan.
Tour hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 25; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 26; noon to 4:30 p.m. July 27; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 28. Tours are free and no reservations are needed.
Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.