A few days ago, in the port of Naples, I had the honor to visit the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci, the most beautiful three-masted sailing ship in the world, which is 91 years old and magnificent. Any object on board, even the most outdated relic, is filled with life. From the top of the crosses of the mainmast of this mother of the seas, you can see the future, proud and disciplined young students notice everything from there, they see the sky, which many of us can only imagine and learn to find a route by the stars, not by GPS.

Watching the world from there, I reflected on how much, perhaps more than anyone else, the people of the sea have the right tools to choose from if they are really ready to set sail. Follow the coast or jump into the open sea. Stay within the known world, or believe in the promise that new and extraordinary lands await us below. Not only at sea, but also in life. The main thing, as a Navy officer admitted to me, is to have good compasses, strong sails and a stable crew. What’s important train the spirit for adventure and to the realization that there will always be a harbor ready to save us from great dangers. Not only at sea, but also in life.

And then he wished me to find my personal route, fix it and learn to appreciate the calm sea and treat the mad one well. And I wish it for you. May it be an amazing summer filled with new routes to explore and safe havens to return to. Let this summer be guided by the stars, not GPS.

Write opinions, comments, advice: [email protected]