Historic meeting in the gulf of Cagliari between the Navy school ship "Amerigo Vespucci" and Luna Rossa. Both boats are preparing to face big challenges. The first, around the world. The second, the America's Cup.

The prototype launched last October in the Sardinian capital, the headquarters of the Italian team, circled the older "colleague" several times with the sails unfurled as a sign of greeting. The last time the two Italian excellences of the sea met was twenty-one years ago in New Zealand.

The sailors of the team led by skipper Max Sirena boarded the ship launched in 1931 in Castellammare di Stabia, as guests of the commander Luigi Romagnoli. Luna Rossa approached the Vespucci at a speed of about 25 knots. The historic sailboat of the Navy is slower, about six knots.

«A way to say goodbye», said Commander Romagnoli, «in view of our respective commitments. In fact, the Vespucci will face the world tour». Sirena was also radiant: «Two boats that will experience great adventures», she said, «a way to exchange greetings. We are training every day and every day we try something new. Then it will be the regatta field to tell the truth».

(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)

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