Amerigo Vespucci arrives in Darwin to the delight of locals

The captain of the world’s ‘most beautiful ship’ says he and his crew are excited to arrive in Darwin. See what he said.

Italy’s oldest active military vessel has pulled into Darwin, with locals lining up to get a good look of the craft dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful ship’.

At dawn on Thursday, the famous Amerigo Vespucci took port at Fort Hills Wharf, before her crew stepped onto Australian shores for the first time.

In the hours that followed, ship enthusiasts took to Stokes Hill Wharf to snap photos while several fishing boats could be seen loitering around the iconic vessel, catching her other angles.

Captain Giuseppe Lai told this masthead it was a “wonderful feeling” to arrive in the Top End.

“It’s the very first time Amerigo Vespucci has come to Darwin and visited the Northern Territory of Australia,” Captain Lai said.

“Vespucci was already in Australia during its first World Tour in 2002 – 2003, but it was on the other side in Sydney (so) it’s very exciting and there is a lot of great expectation from the crew to be here.”

The full-time training ship will remain in Darwin Harbour for several days while its crew partake in various events both onshore and aboard the vessel.

“Over the next few days we’re going to have the opening of Villagio Italia, which is a mini expo that is following Vespucci,” he said.

Amerigo Vespucci has pulled into Darwin.

“There are several events related to the presence of Vespucci in Darwin and the Villaggio Italia, so the crew will be having busy days, but happy days as we expect a lot of people will visit the ship.”

Unbeknown to many, another Italian boat, Lo Spirito di Stella, has sailed across the globe for Darwin, which the Amerigo Vespucci happened to last see in Marseilles last year.

“Vespucci already met with ‘Lo Spirito di Stella’ in Marseilles during the World Tour more than one year ago,” Captain Lai said.

“It is really exciting to meet them again here in Darwin.”

Darwin will be the only Australian city to host the Amerigo Vespucci, with the Italian ship and its crew destined for Singapore later this month.

The privilege of hosting the ship was not lost on Tourism and Hospitality Minister Marie-Clare Boothby.

“We are delighted that Darwin will be the 24th stop on this world tour, and the only Australian destination the ship will dock,” she said.

“This visit recognises our own incredible maritime and military legacy that is a huge tourism attraction, as well as the vital, multinational ongoing naval presence in Darwin that supports peace and security in our region.”

Ms Boothby reminded Territorians there was plenty of Italian-themed events to enjoy onshore in the coming days.

“Locals will be able to board the ship, attend Italian cinema and classical music performances ashore, including a concert by maestro Umberto Clerici and members of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra on October 7.”

For information, visit tourvespucci.it/en/darwin-5-7-october-2024/