Amerigo Vespucci Model Ship Kit – Occre (15006B)

The Amerigo Vespucci Model Ship Kit is manufactured by Occre Model Ship Kits & Occre Model Boat Kits. They use high-quality materials, made with precision and a great degree of detail. To ensure easy, enjoyable ship model kit assembly, all Occre Ship Model Kits are accompanied by detailed instructions, subdivided into assembly stages with full-colour photographs. The kit includes wooden parts and is single layer planked.  This version of the kit does not come with sails – a sail set is available as an optional extra.

• More than 600 different pieces.
• This model carries 11 lifeboats.
• Bow and stern decorations in photoengraved brass.
• The aft balcony has a photo-engraved brass railing with the letters in relief.
• High-quality castings.
• Masts with extensive luxury of details in their yards.

History of the Amerigo Vespucci

The Amerigo Vespucci is a tall ship of the Marina Militare, named after the explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Its home port is La Spezia, Italy, and it is in use as a school ship.

In 1925, the Regia Marina ordered two school ships to a design by General Lieutenant Francesco Rotundi of the Italian Navy Engineering Corps, inspired by the style of large late 18th century 74-cannon ships of the line. The first, the Cristoforo Colombo, was put into service in 1928 and was used by the Italian Navy until 1943.

The second ship was the Amerigo Vespucci, built-in 1930 at the (formerly Royal) Naval Shipyard of Castellammare di Stabia (Naples). She was launched on February 22, 1931, and put into service in July of that year.

The vessel is a full-rigged three-masted steel hull. The three steel masts are 50, 54 and 43 metres high, and carry sails totalling 2824 m2 (30400 ft2) The Amerigo Vespucci has 26 sails – square sails, staysails, and jibs: all are traditional canvas sails.

Other than during World War II, the Amerigo Vespucci has been continually active. Most of her training cruises are in European waters, but she has also sailed to North and South America, and navigated the Pacific. In 2002, she undertook a voyage around the world.