French frigate Hermione (1779)

Hermione is the name of the French frigate, with which the Marquis de La Fayette in 1780 returned to Boston to support the American colonists in their struggle for independence.

In a period of only 11 months, the ship in 1779 in the naval arsenal of Rochefort, designed by Henri Chevillard identical to three other ships ( Courageuse la, la Concorde, la Fée ) was completed. These novel light frigates were characterized by easy handling and speed.

Equipment

The Hermione was equipped with 26 cannons, which projectiles of 12 French pounds " poid de marc " ( 489.5g ) weight could shoot. Hence the name 12- frigate. In addition, she led 6 or 8 six- pounders on board.

The curb weight was 1166 tons, the hull length 44.2 m, total length 65 m, width 11.55 m and depth 5.78 m. Spread over three masts a sail area of ​​over 1,500 m² was achieved.

Reconstruction

In the former naval arsenal of Rochefort is working on a replica of this historically interesting frigate since 1997. After completion (planned 2014) should be left the ship at sea and sail to North America. Since the original construction plans were burned for safety reasons, had to be made ​​new. As Template plans from the British Marine Museum, which had fallen into the hands of the English, as well as the well-preserved remains of one of the sister ships, could be taken on the measure served.

The reconstruction financed, inter alia, to by the tour proceeds, grants of the French State and the EU and donations.

Photos of the reconstruction of the Hermione in Rochefort

2005

2009

June 2011

The sails

Preparation of the rope

The figurehead

Caulking

The tail