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BOSTON (WCVB) — Descendants of Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer for whom America is named, reunited with the Italian tall ship that bears his name on Sunday during Sail Boston.
Matthew Vespucci said he first boarded the Amerigo Vespucci in 1986 when he was 3 years old after his father, grandfather and other relatives had visited the ship in 1976. He returned Sunday with his own 3-year-old son, hoping to recreate the memory for another generation.
“Just excitement, you know, to come back and experience the heritage and the tradition that, you know, I first experienced in ’86, when I came here for the first time,” Matthew Vespucci said in the interview. “So I have my son here. It’s his first time coming on the ship. So hoping for a good day.”
Matthew Vespucci said his family takes great pride in their ancestor’s place in world history. His son, Declan, is the thirteenth generation descended from the legendary explorer.
“It’s a big part of history. And I’m proud to be a part of it for sure,” he said.
As thousands of visitors toured ships along Boston’s waterfront during Sail Boston 2026, Matthew Vespucci said he appreciated seeing so many people experience the maritime celebration.
“It’s pretty great. Huge turnout. Seeing everybody, you know, to share in the experience and the culture and just the beauty of all the ships, you know, in the harbor,” he said.
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