Sail on! No, that isn’t the Pirates of the Caribbean ship – although it very much looks it. It’s the famous Italian navy’s training ship known as Amerigo Vespucci which sailed by Malta yesterday in what was reportedly a scheduled activity part of the training campaign for Livorno’s Naval Academy cadets.
The magnificent ship reportedly approached Malta’s sister isle from the North-West and sailing along the coast, reaching Valletta at around sunset. Photographer Light in a Box captured some stunning shots as it was spotted in Valletta and we’re in awe! The ship’s crew and the 106 cadets on board reportedly took part in the “evocative ensign lowering ceremony;” a tradition in the Italian navy.
Usually, the ship’s campaign is open for public visits but due to COVID-19 health regulations, this cannot happen. This year’s training campaign is dedicated to all Italians who have passed through this difficult period.
The Amerigo Vespucci ship is supposedly named after the 15th-16th century Italian merchant, explorer and navigator hailing from Florence. His name actually inspired that of the Americas. The ship itself was launching on 22nd February 1931 and has been used as a training ship for many years.
WATCH: The cadets belting out the Italian national anthem
Light in a Box