The Australian leg of the world tour of the Nave Vespucci opens in Darwin – Agenzia Nova

by Admin
October 5, 2024

The Australian leg of the World Tour of the Amerigo Vespucci, the historic sailing ship and training ship of the Navy, ambassador of Made in Italy in the world, was inaugurated today. It arrived for the first time in the city of Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory of Australia, in whose waters it met “Lo Spirito di Stella”, the first fully accessible catamaran engaged in the world tour as part of the “WoW” Project – Wheels on Waves – Ruote sulle Onde – Around the World 2023-2025. This was reported in a note from the Ministry of Defense, speaking of “two projects strongly desired and promoted by Minister Guido Crosetto”. The inaugural ceremony of the Villaggio Italia in Darwin, which also marked the start of the highly anticipated visits on board the ship, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini; the Italian Ambassador to Canberra, Paolo Crudele; Gioacchino Alfano, president of Difesa Servizi, the company of the Ministry of Defense that creates and supports all phases of the initiative and the commander of the Vespucci, Captain Giuseppe Lai. Representing the Defense, was the Chief Inspector Admiral Pietro Covino. Representing the Australian institutions were Senator Raff Ciccone, President of the Italy-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and Gerard Maley, Deputy Chief Minister for the Northern Territories (Australia), as well as the Mayor of Darwin, Kostantine Vatskalis.

“Our partnership must enable us to face the challenges of the future with courage and determination. The Vespucci ship and the Spirito di Stella catamaran represent our shared past and our common aspirations: Italy and Australia can and must chart a course of peace, prosperity and inclusion. This is not a ceremonial visit but a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to freedom, respect between nations, and understanding between peoples. In defense, economics, security, trade, the fight against inequality and climate change, Italy and Australia stand united, with a shared commitment to freedom, respect between nations, and understanding between peoples,” said Deputy Minister Valentini. “The Amerigo Vespucci ship and Villaggio Italia represent a concrete expression of the concept of the country system, that is, the set of resources, institutions and policies of the country coordinated to promote economic development in Italy and strengthen cultural ties with friendly countries, and the Italian communities abroad are also an integral part of this system,” said Ambassador Crudele. “An extraordinary experience because we are combining the capacity of a historic and beautiful ship like the Vespucci, which represents the navy and the country, with the Villaggio Italia where Made in Italy goes beyond the perimeter of our country and meets important countries like Australia,” commented the president of Difesa Servizi, Gioacchino Alfano. “It is an experience that Minister Crosetto strongly desired and that Difesa Servizi is trying to interpret in the best way. I, like all Italians, I believe, am proud and confident of what the final outcome will be with the arrival next year in Italy.”

“Our enterprise is not only to carry a message of the Italian Defense around the world but, as Minister Crosetto himself said, with us in addition to the Vespucci all of Italy will move”, declared Captain Lai. “We are arriving in this city for the first time and there is great expectation in being here in Australia, in a territory far away from Italy and full of charm. In Darwin the encounter at sea with the catamaran Spirit of Stella was a great emotion, what Andrea Stella and his crew do is a great example for everyone”. Andrea Stella, founder and President of the non-profit organization “Lo Spirito di Stella” also spoke at the ceremony, the first fully accessible catamaran engaged in a world tour as part of the project “WoW” – Wheels on Waves – Ruote sulle Onde” aimed at military personnel and civilians with disabilities who have suffered permanent injuries while performing their service, who, regardless of their physical, cognitive or sensorial characteristics, have the opportunity to live a unique sea and sailing experience with the mission of demonstrating that breaking down barriers is possible. The project is promoted by the Ministry of Defense, the Defense General Staff and Difesa Servizi. Honorary President Manuel Bortuzzo, bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, was an exceptional testimonial for the WoW project in Darwin.

“The arrival in Darwin marks an epochal moment for Lo Spirito di Stella: sailing the waters of the Pacific Ocean and arriving in Australia is an experience full of emotions and meanings. An 18-meter-long catamaran, completely accessible and without architectural barriers, sailing the seas of the world for two years with disabled people on board belonging to the Italian and foreign Armed Forces, is a challenge to overcome every limit; in the Australian stages, the lively participation of the veterans of the Australian Defence Force has further enriched us”, declared Andrea Stella, founder and President of the non-profit organization “Lo Spirito di Stella”. After a year of sailing, Stella said, we found the Amerigo Vespucci at sea and it was a moment full of emotions and meaning for the project we are carrying forward. I thank the Ministry of Defence who strongly wanted to support this journey to send a message of great inclusion”, concluded Stella.

At the inauguration of the Villaggio Italia in Darwin, the Larrakia Development Corporation organization of the Aboriginal community welcomed the Amerigo Vespucci and the Villaggio Italia with the characteristic smoking ceremony typical of the Australian indigenous populations of the Northern Territories. The paratroopers of the Italian Army sports group extended the Italian and Australian flags in the Australian sky. The anthems of the two countries were played by the Fanfare of the eighth Bersaglieri regiment of the “Garibaldi” brigade, also engaged in Darwin in a series of concerts inside and outside the Villaggio Italia. Among the Italian excellences present in Darwin, Maestro Umberto Clerici who will direct an orchestra of 14 musicians; the work of art “David” created by the artist Jago; Italian cinema in collaboration with the international film exhibition of the Venice Biennale; Giotto and the Scrovegni Chapel with the immersive experience of Magister Art, the iconic objects of Italian design protagonists of the exhibition Italia geniale. After Darwin, Villaggio Italia will be in Singapore from 24 to 28 October.