Italian training ship sailing its way to Darwin visit

A three-masted training ship of the Italian Navy is coming to Darwin next week as part of a world tour.

On Thursday, October 3, the Nave Amerigo Vespucci is expected to sail into Darwin Port on a four-day visit and its 24^th stop around the world.

The visit will be accompanied by an Villaggio Italia expo, showcasing Italian culture, art, music, food, cinema and scientific research.

The Italian Navy will be represented by the Admiral Chief Inspector Pietro Covino with a display by paratroopers from the Italian Army Sports Group and a fanfare by the 8th Bersaglieri Regiment of the Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade.

Also present for the visit will be the catamaran Lo Spirito di Stella, which is on a world tour as part of the Wheels on Waves: Around The World 2023-2025 project for injured military personnel and civilians.

“Nave Amerigo Vespucci‘s stop in Darwin represents not only a unique opportunity to promote Italian excellence but also a symbolic moment to share a message of solidarity and inclusion,” says Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.

“The crews of the Vespucci and the Spirito di Stella are driven by the same passion and sail the same seas with determination, proudly carrying the tricolour and our values around the world,” he says.

The opening ceremony of the Villaggio Italia expo in Darwin will be held on Saturday, October 5, and attended by Italian and Australian government and military officials.

The expo will host in-depth sessions on research activities conducted by the Italian Navy and Nave Amerigo Vespucci.

Villaggio Italia will offer visitors content dedicated to the protection activities of marine and coastal habitats, protected maritime areas and activities to monitor and prevent marine pollution.

Free onboard tours of the Vespucci will be available on: Saturday, October 5 (3pm-5pm); Sunday, October 6 (9am-12:30pm and 3pm-7pm) and Monday, October 7 (9am-12:30pm).

Visits are free of charge; to enter, you can book your admission at https://tourvespucci.it/darwin-5-7-ottobre-2024/