Amerigo Vespucci returns to Trieste

The Italian Navy's training ship arrived this morning and moored at Molo Bersaglieri, where the Villaggio IN Italia has also been set up. Her return renews the special bond between the Amerigo Vespucci, the city and Barcolana, just days before Sunday's main regatta. The ceremony marking the conclusion of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026 and the inauguration of the Villaggio IN Italia, which will bring the waterfront to life until 12 October, took place today in front of the training ship. The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy; Luca Andreoli, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Difesa Servizi S.p.A.; Captain Nicasio Falica, Commanding Officer of the Amerigo Vespucci; Sergio Emidio Bini, Regional Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia; Giuseppe Petronzi, Prefect of Trieste; Roberto Dipiazza, Mayor of Trieste; and Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was preceded by a performance of the Submariners' Anthem by the Northern Maritime Command Band.

"Welcoming the Amerigo Vespucci back to Trieste during Barcolana is a source of great pride and deep emotion for us," said Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. "We still have vivid memories of the extraordinary Barcolana Special Edition in March 2025, when more than 1,300 boats accompanied the Vespucci on her return to Italy, here in our city. Today, we renew a special bond that brings together two symbols of Italian excellence and maritime culture. We are honoured that the Amerigo Vespucci has once again chosen Trieste and Barcolana to conclude her World Tour. It is a moment that brings us closer to Sunday's great celebration of sailing and allows us to celebrate our shared passion for the sea and the deep connection between Barcolana and the Italian Navy."

Tomorrow, Friday 9 October, will be dedicated to Italian sailing. At 11.00 am, the prize-giving ceremony for the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Veloce will take place aboard the Amerigo Vespucci. The Mediterranean's longest sailing race features 10 crews aboard Figaro Bénéteau 3 yachts, which departed from Genoa on 25 September and are expected in Trieste after a non-stop course of 1,560 nautical miles. At 3.00 pm, the ship will host the sailing forum "Italian Seas at the Forefront of World Sailing", organised by ANSA and broadcast on ANSA.it. Participants will include Luca Andreoli, Chief Executive Officer of Difesa Servizi; Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri; Diego Nepi Molineris, Chief Executive Officer of Sport e Salute; Francesco Ettorre, President of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV); Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano; Massimo Perotti, Chairman of the Sanlorenzo Group; Riccardo Simoneschi, CEO of SSI Sports & Events and Executive Manager of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour; and a delegation of athletes.

The forum will also feature the presentation of the Naval Academy and City of Livorno International Sailing Week, scheduled from 23 April to 2 May 2027.