One of the World’s Most Stunning Tall Ships Just Announced a 4-Day Boston Visit

The Amerigo Vespucci is the oldest ship in service with the Italian Navy, and according to the Watertown, New York, Sons of Italy, "one of the most beautiful sailing vessels in the world." The ship is on its way to help America celebrate its semiquincentennial. Massachusetts will welcome the vessel for a four-day visit in July.

A Living Legend of the Italian Navy

Like "America's Tall Ship," the USCGC Eagle, the Amerigo Vespucci is a training ship. According to Sail Training International, the STS Amerigo Vespucci was launched and commissioned in 1931.

"The ship was built to resemble a wooden warship of the early nineteenth century (and, because of this, the two white stripes on black hull recall the two lines of guns): nevertheless, the hull is made of steel riveted plates, as well as the two lowest thirds and the three lowest yards of each mast," STI said.

It also added that the Amerigo Vespucci is a "full square-rigged ship" that usually carries 24 sails made of canvas, and has a main crew of 270, plus up to 150 cadets.

A Floating Spectacle in Boston Harbor

The New York Post reported, "For six days this July, timed to coincide with the America 250 semiquincentennial celebrations, Sail Boston – known to locals as 'the Tall Ships' – will transform Boston Harbor into a floating spectacle of towering masts, billowing sails, and maritime tradition."

The Amerigo Vespucci will dock in Boston from July 11-14 after stops in Baltimore and New York City.

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Global Fleet Joins America250 Celebration

Sail Boston 2026 said vessels from Indonesia, Uruguay, Mexico, Chile, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and many more could participate in the MA250 Tall Ships event in July.

Portugal's beloved Tall Ship Sagres, which like the Eagle has visited New Bedford, will also participate in the Tall Ships event in Boston.

Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the Tall Ship is named, was an Italian explorer some 600 years ago. America was named in honor of Vespucci in 1507.