Palinuro and Stella Polare Ships in Imperia: Italian Navy Vessels Join the 2026 Vintage Sails Event

September brings a special maritime event to Imperia. As the city hosts the 40th edition of the Imperia Vintage Sails, part of the Imperia Sailing Week 2026, two important Italian Navy vessels will be in the city: the Palinuro training ship and the Stella Polare sailing ship.

The two vessels will be involved in separate but closely connected activities celebrating Imperia’s long-standing maritime and sailing heritage. The Palinuro will be docked in the port of Imperia from September 2 to 6, 2026, with several days open to public visits, while the Stella Polare will take part in the event dedicated to classic and vintage sailing boats from September 2 to 5.

The presence of the two Italian Navy vessels will add further significance to an event celebrating an important milestone: the 40th edition of the Imperia Vintage Sails.

Palinuro Ship in Imperia: When Can You Visit?

The Palinuro will arrive in the port of Imperia on Wednesday, September 2, and remain in the city until Sunday, September 6.

During its stay, the training ship will also host young members of the Italian National Association of Sailors (ANMI), Sail Training Association Italia (STA-I) and the Italian Naval League, who are taking part in the summer training campaign that began in Taranto.

One of the highlights will be the opportunity for the public to visit the ship. The Palinuro will be open during the following hours:

• Thursday, September 3: 10 am–12 pm
• Friday, September 4: 10 am–12 pm and 3 pm–6 pm
• Saturday, September 5: 10 am–12 pm and 3 pm–5 pm

Residents and tourists will therefore have the opportunity to step on board the Palinuro and discover one of the most representative sailing ships of the Italian Navy.

The ship will leave Imperia on Sunday, September 6, continuing its training activities.

Palinuro’s Summer Training Campaign

The Palinuro’s presence in Liguria is part of a summer training campaign involving young members of Italian maritime organisations.

The experience on board allows participants to experience daily life at sea and take part in navigation-related activities, developing technical skills, teamwork and a deeper understanding of Italy’s maritime traditions.

The Imperia stop is therefore not only an opportunity for the public to visit the vessel, but also an important stage in the training programme for the young people on board.

Stella Polare to Take Part in the Imperia Vintage Sails

Alongside the Palinuro, Imperia will welcome the Stella Polare, which will participate in the 40th edition of the Imperia Vintage Sails from September 2 to 5 as part of the Imperia Sailing Week 2026.

The Stella Polare arrives in the city after a long voyage through the western Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. During the campaign, the vessel sailed beyond the Pillars of Hercules before returning to the Italian coast.

Its participation in the Imperia event is particularly significant from a training perspective. For the crew and, in particular, the Officer Cadets, the races provide an important opportunity to put into practice the skills developed during the 2026 Training Campaign.

From navigation and sail handling to reading wind and sea conditions, the crew will have to combine technical preparation, teamwork and decision-making in a dynamic competitive environment.

Stella Polare and Its Connection with the Sangermani Shipyards

The presence of the Stella Polare has an even more special significance during the 2026 edition of the Imperia Vintage Sails.

This year, Imperia is celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Sangermani Shipyards, one of the most historic names in Italian yacht building. A dedicated exhibition and a series of events will celebrate the Ligurian shipyard and its heritage.

The connection with the Stella Polare is direct: the vessel was built by the Sangermani Shipyards in 1965.

Its participation in the event therefore highlights the close relationship between the history of the Italian Navy, Ligurian shipbuilding and the tradition of classic sailing, creating a link between maritime heritage and the present day.

Imperia Sailing Week 2026: Sailing, History and Maritime Heritage

The presence of the Palinuro and Stella Polare forms part of the wider programme of the Imperia Sailing Week 2026, an event that brings historic vessels and major names from the world of classic sailing to the Ligurian coast.

For decades, the Imperia Vintage Sails has been one of the city’s most distinctive nautical events. The 40th edition adds an important celebratory dimension to the occasion.

Imperia is preparing to welcome sailing enthusiasts, crews and visitors interested not only in the competitions at sea, but also in the history of the vessels, maritime culture and Liguria’s rich nautical heritage.

Two Italian Navy Ships, One Major Maritime Event

The arrival of the Palinuro and Stella Polare in Imperia offers a unique perspective on Italy’s maritime culture.

On one side is the Palinuro, dedicated to training and offering the public the chance to visit the ship during its stay in port. On the other is the Stella Polare, competing in the classic sailing event after a long international training voyage.

Two different experiences, connected by the same tradition: the Italian Navy and the educational value of life at sea.

For Imperia, the beginning of September 2026 will therefore be a particularly significant period, bringing together naval history, training, sport and maritime traditions.

Palinuro and Stella Polare in Imperia: Key Dates

Palinuro Ship
📍 Port of Imperia
📅 September 2–6, 2026
👥 Public visits: September 3, 4 and 5

Stella Polare Ship
📍 Imperia
📅 September 2–5, 2026
⛵ Participation in the 40th edition of the Imperia Vintage Sails

With two Italian Navy sailing ships taking part, the Imperia Sailing Week 2026 is set to celebrate sailing and Italy’s maritime heritage through an extraordinary combination of historic vessels, competition, training and tradition.