Italian Tall Ship’s Malta-French Voyage: A Sail Through History

Imagine, if you will, the Mediterranean Sea at dusk. The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the waves, as a majestic three-masted barque, its sails billowing like clouds, glides silently towards the French coast. This was no ordinary vessel; it was the Guido Monchieri, an historic Italian sailing ship that began its journey in Valletta, Malta, weeks earlier.

Valletta’s Grand Departure

The Guido Monchieri, a replica of an 18th-century merchant vessel, set sail from Malta’s Grand Harbour on April 23, carrying a crew of 20 and a cargo of history. The voyage was part of a larger project, ‘The Mediterranean Challenge,’ aimed at preserving and promoting traditional sailing techniques and maritime heritage.

Standing at the breakwater, locals and tourists alike watched as the ship unfurled its sails, the wind catching them with a snap. The Guido Monchieri, with its 30-metre tall masts and 27-metre length, was a sight to behold, especially against the backdrop of the historic Three Cities.

A Journey Through Time

The voyage from Valletta to France was no leisurely cruise. The crew, led by Captain Gianluca Pavan, faced challenges typical of traditional sailing. They navigated using celestial bodies and charts, not GPS. They harnessed the wind’s power, not engines. They lived off the sea, catching fish and collecting rainwater.

Days turned into weeks. The Maltese islands faded into the distance, replaced by the open sea. The crew traversed the Sicilian Channel, skirted the coast of Italy, and sailed past Corsica before finally approaching their destination, Marseille.

Arrival in Marseille

On May 17, after a month-long journey covering over 1,000 nautical miles, the Guido Monchieri arrived in Marseille. The crew was greeted by fellow sailors, maritime enthusiasts, and local media. The ship was a spectacle, its wooden hull and intricate rigging a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders.

Captain Pavan, speaking to reporters, praised the voyage. “This journey has been a test of our skills, our endurance, and our bond as a crew. It’s not just about reaching Marseille; it’s about preserving a piece of history, a way of life that’s disappearing.”

For Malta, this voyage was more than just a historic sailing event. It was a testament to our strategic location, a hub for maritime trade and exploration. It was a reminder of our shared history with Europe, our common maritime heritage.