Historic Italian Vessel Completes Malta to France Voyage

Imagine, if you will, the crisp Maltese morning as the sun begins to kiss the ancient walls of Valletta. The air is filled with the salty tang of the Mediterranean, and the gentle lapping of water against the Grand Harbour’s limestone quays. This was the scene last week as the historic Italian sailing vessel, the ‘Neptune’, set sail on a journey that would take it from our very own shores to the sunny coasts of France.

The ‘Neptune’, a magnificent brigantine built in 1991, is no ordinary vessel. She is a living testament to the art of traditional shipbuilding, her wooden hull and towering masts a sight to behold. Her crew, a mix of experienced sailors and eager trainees, cast off from the historic Pinto Wharf, where Malta’s maritime history has unfolded for centuries. The ‘Neptune’ was bound for Marseille, France, a voyage of some 500 nautical miles, a journey that would take her through the treacherous Straits of Sicily and the open waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Malta’s connection to the sea runs deep, a bond forged over centuries of trade, conquest, and survival. Our islands have been a crossroads of civilizations, our harbours witness to the ebb and flow of history. Today, Malta’s maritime heritage is celebrated not just in our museums and monuments, but also in our living traditions, like the annual Regatta held in the picturesque Grand Harbour.

The ‘Neptune’s’ voyage is a poignant reminder of our shared maritime heritage with Europe. From the Phoenicians to the Knights of St. John, our history is intertwined with that of the continent. Today, as we of the modern world, it’s heartening to see that spirit of adventure and cooperation alive and well on the high seas.

After a grueling voyage that saw the crew battle strong winds and rough seas, the ‘Neptune’ finally docked in Marseille’s Old Port. The French city, with its bustling quays and iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, was a sight for sore eyes. The crew was greeted with open arms, their achievement celebrated as a testament to the power of human endeavour and the enduring bond between our two cultures.

Back in Malta, we watch with pride as the ‘Neptune’ continues her journey, carrying with her a piece of our history and a testament to our shared maritime heritage. As the old saying goes, “A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” And so, the ‘Neptune’ sails on, a beacon of our shared past and a promise of future adventures.