By Bryony Jewell For Mailonline
The Italian Navy tall ship the Amerigo Vespucci has left Portsmouth Harbour after a four day stay
US aircraft carrier the USS Independence flashed the vessel while it was sailing in the Mediterranean in 1962. The USS Independence asked 'who are you?' The Amerigo Vespucci said who they were and the US ship replied with the compliment 'you are the most beautiful ship in the world'.
The three-decked square rigger is 164ft tall, with 26 enormous sails and miles of rigging. Her overall length is 331ft. The ship is based in Livorno, Italy, but sails to Venice from time to time and cruises the Mediterranean as well as visiting other countries.
The 87-year-old vessel is used as a training ship for officer cadets in the Italian navy. She has been used in this way since soon after her launch in 1931. The young sailors learn seamanship, navigation, operation of drive systems and auxiliaries and logistics while on board.
The Amerigo Vespucci – that can reach a maximum speed of 10 knots -is named after an Italian explorer from the 1400s who on his most successful voyage, discovered present-day Rio de Janeiro.
To see amazing aerial shots of this beautiful ship, go to The Daily Mail.
