THE Italian Navy training ship “Amerigo Vespucci” will visit Manila on Saturday as part of its world tour.
The ship will dock at Pier 15 in the Port of Manila, the 23rd stop in its world tour.
Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio and Philippine Navy officials will welcome the ship’s 400 naval cadets and crew.
Italian Navy training sailing ship Amerigo Vespucci is anchored as part of an Italian cultural event ceremony at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Tokyo, Japan, 26 August 2024. EPA-EFE/KIMIMASA MAYAMA
The Amerigo Vespucci visited Tokyo before sailing to Manila where it will stay until Monday.
Capt. Gieseppe Lai, the ship’s commander, said the Amerigo Vespucci plans to circumnavigate the world for the second time.
Its 20-month voyage will cover 36 ports in 32 countries, including the Philippines.
The ship’s naval cadets will have completed their education after the tour, Lai said.
The ship “wanted to deliver a message that it is not a military vessel,” Lai told The Manila Times in a phone interview.
Asked why the Philippines was included in the Amerigo Vespucci’s world tour, Lai said: “The Philippines is a partner of Italy. It is the first time in the history of the ship. We are very curious about the Philippines.” The ship left the port of Genoa on July 1, 2023.
Its motto, “Not he who begins but he who perseveres,” a phrase attributed to the great artist Leonardo Da Vinci, represents the ideal that drives the crew and the cadets of the Italian naval academy.
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