Captain of 93-yr-old ship docked in Abu Dhabi reflects on dream voyage
Khaleej Times|January 10, 2025
Tagged as the world’s most beautiful ship’, the Amerigo Vespucci takes its visitors back in time
Haneen Dajani haneen@khaleejtimes.com
Captain of 93-yr-old ship docked in Abu Dhabi reflects on dream voyage

Captain Giuseppe Lai dreamt of travelling the world's seas since he was 10, but it was not until he toured the world on Italy's iconic naval training ship Amerigo Vespucci that he felt closest to his childhood dreams.

Tagged as the 'world's most beautiful ship' with its classic lavish design and impressive wooden furniture, the 93-yearold vessel takes its visitors back in time. The design of the 82m long ship is inspired by 18th century and 19th century vessels, with a gilded bronze figurehead, of the Italian explorer it was named after, hanging at its bow.

Now 49, Lai said his childhood aspirations of a life at sea were realised when he embarked on the ship's second world tour that kicked off in July 2023.

"When you're a child, you dream of an adventurous life travelling the world, like the fantasy cartoons we used to watch featuring sailors and pirates' adventures at sea; the Vespucci gives you that feeling," he said.

Having first sailed on the Amerigo Vespucci in 2001 as an instructor for cadets across the waters of Northern Europe, Captain Lai is no stranger to the ship's unique legacy. However, this time Captain Lai led Italy's beauty of a ship through new oceans.

"One of the most interesting experiences was sailing through the Patagonian Channels in South America. The waters there are complex; we exited the Magellan Strait and re-entered twice for logistical purposes," he said.

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ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

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