In 1997, Association Hermione-La Fayette undertook, at the Arsenal de Rochefort, the identical reconstruction of the Hermione, the Frigate of Freedom. In 1780, General La Fayette embarked on this ship and came on board to announce France’s support for the American insurgents. 17 years of work, carried out under the eyes of the public, made it possible to discover and transmit the techniques of traditional shipbuilding. Since 2014, the frigate, which had become a sailing ship, has become a major emblem of French maritime heritage, the largest replica of a 3-masted 18th-century vessel. A unique associative project, the Hermione is a cultural ambassador in and of itself as a vector of transmission, training, and openness to the world.
Between 2014 and 2019, Hermione made 4 sea voyages, traveled more than 22,000 miles, and visited 3 continents, 5 countries, and 36 ports of call. Not only is this a maritime adventure, but also an exceptional human adventure that allows for a crew composed mainly of young volunteers to benefit from a unique training experience guided by the values of solidarity, cohesion, commitment, and cultural transmission. To date, more than 600 young people have been trained and have been able to embark on board in navigation. The association is also expanding its mission of training, in relation to the trades of the sea and wood construction.
If you are considering supporting the Hermione, please visit their website: https://fregate-hermione.com/en/.
Find out more in our article published on October 19, 2023.
(c)Valérie Toebat, 2015
(c)Association Hermione – La Fayette, Maxime Franusiak, 2022
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