Italian Navy’s Training Ship Amerigo Vespucci Arrives to Odessa, Ukraine

Sailer of Italian Navy Amerigo Vespucci moored at 18th pier of Odessa seaport on Aug 18.

Amerigo Vespucci is a unique sailing ship with mechanical powerplant. The ship’s exterior appearance is stylized as in 18th century. For 78 years the ship has been used as a training platform for future naval officers of Italian Navy. The crew (with midshipmen) is 360 including 20 female cadets.

The ship calls at Odessa for the second time paying familiarization visit. The first call was held on Aug 20, 2010. This time, locals of Odessa have an opportunity to visit this marvelous sailer which is like Italy’s ambassador visiting many countries all across the world.

Through her service, training ship Amerigo Vespucci has crossed the Strait of Gibraltar over 100 times, the Kiel Canal – about 20 times, repeatedly crossed the Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits, and once – the Panama, the Suez, and the Corinth canals. The ship crossed the equator line four times. In total, Amerigo Vespucci has covered over 400,000 miles during more than 7,000 navigational days (approx 20 years).

Amerigo Vespucci will stay in Odessa port till Aug 23.

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Source: rusnavy, August 22, 2011;