Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci reaches Baltimore, sets Atlantic sailing record amid US 250th‑anniversary events

The Italian Navy’s training ship Amerigo Vespucci completed a 47‑day Atlantic crossing from Genoa to Baltimore, establishing a new record of 2,899 nautical miles sailed under pure wind and a total of 3,661 nautical miles—the longest route for the vessel since 1952. Captain Nicasio Falica extended the course to chase trade winds, enabling the ship to sail solo under sail for twelve consecutive days.

The arrival marks the start of the ship’s North America 2026 campaign, part of the global Sail250 program celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence. Amerigo Vespucci will join a parade of tall ships in Baltimore from June 25 to July 1, then proceed to New York for the International Naval Review on July 4.

Commentators note that the anniversary also spurs broader cultural reflections, including discussions about the Catholic Church’s role in promoting an inclusive vision of the American dream, highlighted by planned events on the Italian island of Lampedusa.