Picture: Sail training ship Amerigo Vespucci

The Italian navy training ship Amerigo Vespucci arrived in Auckland today to join the America's Cup festivities.

It was the first visit to the South Pacific for the 100m long full-rigged ship, which was built in 1930.

The ship was named for the 15th-century Italian explorer who gave his name to America and, therefore, to the America's Cup.

Built of steel, the ship carries 430 sailors and officer cadets. She sets 2800 sq metres of sail and has an auxilliary diesel engine.

The ship left La Spezia, Italy, on May 4 and called at Cadice, Las Palmas (Spain), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Panama, Acapulco (Mexico), San Diego, Honolulu, Christmas Island and Papeete.

Amerigo Vespucci will be in Auckland until February and the public will be able to go aboard on a series of open days.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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