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The Italian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci, known as the most beautiful ship in the world, arrived in New York for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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America's Cup trophy sails into New York aboard Italy's tallship Vespucci

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The Italian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci sailed up the Hudson River as part of a major international naval review marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The America's Cup trophy was welcomed aboard the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci in New York as part of celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
The America's Cup trophy was welcomed aboard the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci in New York as part of celebrations marking 250 years of American independence. | Photo: AC Media

More than fifty tall ships and naval units from around the world made the passage from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge, sailing directly past the Statue of Liberty.

The America's Cup sits aboard the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci in New York during the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence.
The America's Cup sits aboard the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci in New York during the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. | Photo: AC Media

The event was one of the most significant moments of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour, North America Campaign 2026, which began in Genoa on 9 May. Announced by Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, the campaign is an initiative of the Italian Ministry of Defense and the Italian Navy, produced by Difesa Servizi S.p.A.

The America's Cup on display aboard the Amerigo Vespucci in New York, as part of the US 250th anniversary celebrations that kicked off on 4 July.
The America's Cup on display aboard the Amerigo Vespucci in New York, as part of the US 250th anniversary celebrations that kicked off on 4 July. | Photo: AC Media

Among the highlights was the arrival of the America's Cup trophy, which came from New Zealand for the occasion. The trophy dates to 1848 and is widely regarded as the most iconic prize in international sport. It was welcomed aboard and displayed to guests during the ship's stopover at Pier 86, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum pier.

The America's Cup trophy aboard the Amerigo Vespucci in New York, during festivities marking 250 years of American independence.
The America's Cup trophy aboard the Amerigo Vespucci in New York, during festivities marking 250 years of American independence. | Photo: AC Media

A broad range of dignitaries came aboard during the New York visit. They included Italian Under Secretary of Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago, representing Minister Crosetto; Italian Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi; Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy Admiral of Squadron Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto; Commander-General of the Carabinieri Corps Army Corps General Salvatore Luongo; Ambassador of Italy to the United States Marco Peronaci; Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi; Consul General of Italy in New York Giuseppe Pastorelli; Mayor of Genoa Silvia Salis; and Chief Executive Officer of Difesa Servizi S.p.A. Luca Andreoli. Also in attendance were President of Sport e Salute Marco Mezzaroma, America's Cup Chief Executive Officer Marzio Perrelli, President of the Italian Trade Agency Matteo Zoppas, and President of Veronafiere and Vinitaly Federico Bricolo.

Italy's tall ship Amerigo Vespucci provided a stunning backdrop for the America's Cup in New York during the 250th anniversary independence celebrations.
Italy's tall ship Amerigo Vespucci provided a stunning backdrop for the America's Cup in New York during the 250th anniversary independence celebrations. | Photo: AC Media

This is the Amerigo Vespucci's ninth visit to New York. The first was in 1933, at the end of its inaugural transatlantic crossing after leaving Gibraltar, followed by a second visit in 1951 after World War II. The most recent visits before this were in 2000 and 2017.

The ship's famous nickname has American origins. In 1962, in the Mediterranean Sea, the US aircraft carrier USS Independence radioed to ask the vessel's identity. Told it was the training ship Amerigo Vespucci of the Italian Navy, the response came back: "You are the most beautiful ship in the world."

Sixty years later, in 2022, while crossing paths at sea with the American aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush, a radio message confirmed that reputation: "You are still, after 60 years, the most beautiful ship in the world."

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