(Aug. 10) – The Italian Naval Training Ship Amerigo Vespucci – one of the world’s most spectacular tall ships and the last surviving three-decked square rigger – will be open to the public for two days at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, during a visit to Portsmouth Naval Base which started this morning. The Italian Ambassador to the UK, Alain Giorgio Maria Economides, will be onboard to welcome the crew. The Vespucci left the port of Livorno, Tuscany, on July 16th to begin the 78th training cruise of the Naval Academy Cadets. This year the traditional activity is taking place in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, visiting the following ports: Portsmouth (UK) until August 13th; St. Malò (France) from August 15th to August 20th; Dublin (EIRE) from August 23rd to August 27th; Lisbon (Portugal) from September 4th to September 7th; Valencia (Spain) from September 14th to September 17th. The ship is due to return to Livorno on September 21st. “Amerigo Vespucci is a spectacular tall ship – said officials from the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – and will be a wonderful sight as it enters Portsmouth. The Naval Base is delighted to be able to host such an historic vessel and I’m sure she will prove a popular attraction for visitors.” (red)
