The historic Amerigo Vespucci, considered by many to be the ‘most beautiful ship in the world’, is currently undergoing a major round of maintenance and refitting at the Arsenale Militare in La Spezia. With an estimated investment of 9 million euro, the work, entrusted to Fincantieri, will affect all aspects of the training ship, from masts to on-board systems, ensuring that the Vespucci will continue to be a symbol of elegance, tradition and excellence of the Italian Navy.
From the end of 2023 until 2025, the Amerigo Vespucci went on a two-year world tour, passing through ports in America, Europe and South America. During this international mission, the sailing ship represented the Marina Militare Italiana in every corner of the globe, confirming its role as Italian ambassador on the seas. During the tour, the ship crossed paths with other large international vessels, attracting the attention of enthusiasts and sailors from all over the world.
Maintenance works in La Spezia: masts, installations and complete refitting
Since June 2025, the Amerigo Vespucci has been in the dock of the La Spezia Military Arsenal for ordinary and extraordinary maintenance work. The main interventions include work on all the masts, with particular attention to the foremast and bowsprit, and the complete refitting of the main plants, including propulsion, electricity, air conditioning and water treatment. The safety systems and all mobile equipment on board will also be upgraded.
This technical stop follows a previous five-month maintenance carried out in November 2023 in Argentina during the world campaign, but the current round of work will be longer and more complex, with the aim of ensuring maximum efficiency and safety of the ship.
History, prestige and international recognition
Launched on 22 February 1931 at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard, the Amerigo Vespucci is a three-masted sailing ship 101 metres long and with a sail area of over 2,600 square metres. Since 1946 it has had its base port in La Spezia, where it trains thepupils of the Livorno Naval Academy.
In addition to its training role, the ship has participated in prestigious international competitions and celebrations. It took part in the Tall Ships’ Race in 2000, covering over 10,000 miles during the competition, and represented Italy in the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 2017. The Vespucci has also been awarded the Silver Medal of Valour, a symbol of her historical and educational contribution.
During its history, the Amerigo Vespucci has been called‘the most beautiful ship in the world’on two documented occasions. The first time was in 1962, during a navigation with the American aircraft carrier USS Independence, when the US crew admired the Italian sailing ship and radioed the official recognition, emphasising the perfection of its lines and seafaring elegance. The second occasion took place on 1 September 2022, in the Adriatic Sea, during a crossing with the American aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. The crew of the aircraft carrier, recalling the historic encounter in 1962, confirmed by radio: “You are still the most beautiful ship in the world”. These episodes testify to the international prestige of the Vespucci, appreciated not only for its aesthetic beauty, but also as an ambassador of Italian naval tradition and excellence.
Palinuro and the future of Italian school ships
The school ship Palinuro will also undergo maintenance work starting in December 2025. The work will affect the hull, the propulsion and electrical systems, the satellite network, and the maintenance of the masting and curtains. The auxiliary systems, including fire fighting, air conditioning and sewage treatment, will also be upgraded. The estimated cost for the Palinuro is 3.5 million euro, confirming the Navy’s commitment to ensuring full efficiency and safety for both training ships.
The Amerigo Vespucci is ready to return in the New Year
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When the Amerigo Vespucci returns to sea in 2026, it will do so with renewed majesty, ready to once again represent the tradition, elegance, and expertise of the Italian Navy. Not just a training ship, but a timeless symbol of Italian naval history, capable of enchanting anyone who admires her in port or in navigation and of confirming her reputation as the most beautiful ship in the world.
