Leah McCann Smith | Writer & Editor

The Amerigo Vespucci, a training ship of the Italian Marina Militare, is named after the explorer Amerigo Vespucci; its home: La Spezia, Italy.

My great friend Katie sails boats. She’s a member of New York City’s Yacht Club, and with knowing her beautiful self comes the perk of being invited to meet legends of the sea. A run-in with the captain of this ship on her part led to a gathering of friends to tour this beautiful ship, which was parked—ahem, docked—in New York’s Pier 88 harbor until yesterday, July 30.

Our young Italian cadet, who served as our “tour guide” for the visit, was just in his second year of school. He had been aboard the ship for the summer and planned to see the ship back to its home country, Italy. He carried himself with poise and a very cute sailor’s outfit.

From the captain’s quarters, we enjoyed THE best espresso I’ve ever had. And below, an apple so curiously resting aboard a sturdy wooden bench near the bow of the ship. The story of this wandering apple has yet to be written.

The ship’s motto: “Non chi comincia ma quel che persevera.” “Not who begins but what persists.” (Thanks, Google Translate.)

Some wise words for this lifetime.