The Italian square-rigged training ship Amerigo Vespucci has been made a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.
The ship, here taking part in the finale of this year's Tall Ships Races, received the honor during a ceremony Monday morning which included the participation of Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Paolo La Rosa and the president of UNICEF Italy, Antonio Sclavi.
During the ceremony the UNICEF flag was raised on the Vespucci's yardarms.
The Tall Ships Races wrapped up here at the weekend after three weeks of regattas in the upper Mediterranean, starting from the Spanish port city of Alicante.
The races, now an annual event, began 50 years ago as a way to allow young people from all over the world to have the experience of sailing on old square-riggers, topsail schooners, brigantines, barques and clippers, 42 of which are participating in this year's races.
Over 3,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 took part in this year's event, making up 50% of the ships' crews.
Aside from celebrating the Tall Ships, the four-day finale showcases the city of Genoa and the region of Liguria, highlighting their history, cultural heritage, tourist attractions and cuisine.
After leaving Alicante, the Tall Ships fleet made stops Barcelona and Toulon. Thirteen of the 40 ships are Class A, over 50 feet in length, while two are over 100 feet long.
