Amerigo Vespucci

Although the world’s oceans have been explored, there are still adventurers who take to the seas in search of new experiences. The Amerigo Vespucci, the sailing ship of La Marina Militare Italiana, the Italian navy, is famous for its years of travel and sailing expertise. It’s named after the late 15th century Italian explorer, who also gave his name to the Americas. The vessel has spent 75 years at sea and is the oldest sailing ship still in operation, having visited the ports of six of the continents. The Italians consider the Amerigo Vespucci their “perfect ship,” the most beautiful in the world, and when you lay eyes on its grand masts, fine craftsmanship and expert details, you'll know why. The Amerigo Vespucci was built in 1931 in the naval shipyards of Castellammare di Stabia, situated on the Bay of Naples, and was designed to replicate the Renaissance vessel which the explorer used during his voyages. It was built based on a centuries old design, with canvas sails and ropes made of sisal, a natural fiber that has been used for centuries. It also has non-electric winches, which use only a reel and crank to put tension on the lines and wind the ropes. However, the ship has modern sailing equipment, which includes a motor, propeller, radar and satellite systems. The ship’s exterior, painted black with two white stripes, is also worthy of praise and has historical significance. The white bands represent the gun decks and the line of cannons that existed on the original ship.

At the bow of the boat a golden statue of explorer Amerigo Vespucci is displayed standing proudly with his right hand over his heart and a rolled up map in his left as he looks out at the sea. This magnificent ship’s crew includes 228 men holding the ranks of a captain, sergeants, non-commissioned officers and sailors. During the summer months when first year naval cadets are living onboard, the crew doubles in size, and they certainly could not survive without their 20 chefs (who are also members of the Navy). The chefs hold ranks that range from non-commissioned officers to sergeants and sailors. Although the entire crew works hard, the cooks have one of the most difficult jobs on the ship. Due to the overwhelming amount of people, the chefs need to make sure that the provisions and amount of ingredients are replenished frequently. The cooks of the Amerigo Vespucci create 500 meals per day for nine months out of the year, and 900 meals per day from June through August. This doesn’t include the drinks and other food they must prepare for the special events on the ship, such as a buffet for 250 to 300 outside guests. Surprisingly enough, the cooks can prepare all of these meals in only two kitchens. The main kitchen, called the “big kitchen,” is where they prepare the general meals for the crew, but before any meals are prepared the captain must approve each day’s menu.

The “small kitchen” is where the cooks prepare food for delegated functions. Some of these special meals are served at the Captain’s table, the most sacred dining area on the ship. Located in the ship's boardroom, it’s a place where one can only eat if the Captain personally invites you. What makes this experience special, besides the honor of the Captain's request, is the presentation. The table is set to replicate an arrangement from the 1800s and is accented with elegant glasses and golden dishware. The atmosphere is enhanced with two “masters” dressed in jackets and wearing white gloves, who serve a lovely array of courses, which always includes seafood, fruit and dessert. After dinner is finished, the captain's liqueur is offered, but only to the naval cadets. Just as the motto of the Italian navy states, “It's not the one who starts that is the most important but the one who keeps it going,” the chefs of the Amerigo Vespucci and the daily meals they serve are what help sustain the ship. The cooks on this historic vessel may spend most of their time hidden in the kitchens, but their work is indispensable. They are an important part of the crew’s health and happiness aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, a ship that is as rich in cuisine as it is in history.

-- cristabelle tumola --

The following recipes are a sampling of typical meals served aboard the Amerigo Vespucci.

Recipes

•  orange salmon
•  panna cotta and fresh berries
•  cacciucco alla livornese