Amerigo Vespucci sails Hudson for US 250th: 'Today we are Italy'
The Italian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci took part in the Sail4th250 parade on New York's Hudson River, marking 250 years of US independence with over 40 vessels from around the world.
The parade
The Italian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci sailed as the eleventh vessel in the Sail4th250 International Naval Review on the Hudson River on July 4, marking 250 years of American independence. Over 40 tall ships and naval vessels from dozens of countries took part, passing landmarks from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge via the Statue of Liberty. The parade included flyovers by US military aircraft, including a B-2 bomber, and the American tricolor arrows aerobatic team.
Today we are not just the Navy, today we are Italy.
US Vice President JD Vance watched from the USS Kearsarge with his children, calling the anniversary a celebration of an America that "looks to the future without fear."
Everything we have achieved as a country we have done together: not as citizens divided against one another, but as ordinary people working for a shared future.
A ship with a mission
The Vespucci's appearance is part of its World Tour – North America Campaign 2026, a Defence Ministry and Navy initiative produced by Difesa Servizi. The tour was announced in 2025 by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The ship, which the USS Independence called "the most beautiful ship in the world" in 1962, had previously stopped in Baltimore.
- Departed Genoa, Italy
- Stopped in Baltimore, USA
- Participated in Sail4th250 parade, New York
- Sails to Boston, USA
- Québec City, Canada
- Montréal, Canada
- Returns to Italy
What's next
After several days docked near the Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York, the Vespucci will sail to Boston, then to Canada for stops in Québec City and Montréal, before returning to Italy. The ship departed Genoa on 9 May.
Events in New York
While in New York, the ship will host a series of events promoting Italian excellence, including the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, the arrival of the America's Cup trophy from New Zealand, a presentation of the next Vinitaly, and a conference by the Francesca Rava Foundation with Italy's Permanent Representative to the UN. A presentation of the city of Genoa is also scheduled.
