The "Palinuro" in Porto Torres: "This is where so many sailors grow."

A top speed of seven knots and an average transfer speed of 4-5 knots with "Faventibus Ventis," the motto used by the historic training ship Palinuro to wish the voyage "with favorable winds." Just like yesterday morning, when at 10:30 a.m., the splendid schooner, pride of the Italian Navy, after delicate docking maneuvers, reached the Teleferica quay at the Porto Torres maritime port.

On board there are 84 crew members and it is ready to host around 40 Navy cadets , as well as young members of the Italian Naval League and the National Association of Italian Sailors, who will come into contact with the seafaring tradition and experience first-hand the sailing techniques of a prestigious and ancient vessel.

The sailing vessel is commanded by Frigate Captain Gian Luca Montella, 42, from La Spezia. He entered the Naval Academy training program at the age of 18 and has been in command of the schooner, an icon of nautical training, for just three days. The assumption of command ceremony took place in Mahon, on the island of Menorca, where the ship cast off for the port of call.

"Porto Torres is part of the 61st summer training campaign, a training program that fulfills two main objectives," explains Commander Montella. "The first is to train the Italian Navy's non-commissioned officers, particularly the ship's helmsmen; the second is to spread the navy's values around the world. And Porto Torres is also part of this second activity."

The ports of Cagliari, Viareggio, Naples, Milazzo, and La Spezia will follow, where the training campaign will conclude in November. Over 160 ports and thousands of visitors. Every year, the Palinuro welcomes students from the Taranto Petty Officers' School, as well as cadets from the F. Morosini Naval School in Venice and other sailing enthusiasts. "A unique training and professional growth experience for many young people, such as the students of the Paglietti Nautical Institute, who can embark through the ANMI (Naval Italian Migration Association) and Lega Navale (Naval League) associations, or explore the available competitive exams for officers and petty officers," adds the captain.

A workshop with an impressive array of sails, a total of one thousand meters of canvas, rigged with 17 kilometers of rope. Everything on board has remained unchanged, a history spanning over ninety years, reflected in the names of the successive captains over the years, all listed on a plaque, updated annually since 1955 with each change of command. Built in 1934, the 69-meter vessel joined the Italian fleet in 1951, becoming a training ship named Palinuro, named after the helmsman of Aeneas's ship, a great sailor. And even today, the sailing vessel awes with its elegance, featuring lacquered wood and brass ropes. "Our engine is like a large sailboat, the rudder is an antique one from 1934, and the typical feature of this ship is the way commands are given," emphasizes Commander Montella, "because visibility is poor and the actual maneuvering takes place on the bridge, at the very stern, where orders are given." The bridge also houses the officers' wardroom, the shared space for meals and official events. " The emotional impact of a ship like this is very strong," comments Gian Luca Montella, on his approach to commanding one of the Navy's queens. "You get that taste of the ancient sea again, amid sails and the sound of the waves, which you don't hear on gray ships."

Tours of the wonderful schooner are scheduled for today, Sunday, September 14, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Monday at the same time, and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.