tip-no-58 | © Bert Schwarz 2022

Frigate "L'Hermione"

Highlights

Produced by: logo © 2023

Maritime history enthusiasts founded the Hermione-Lafayette association in 1992 with a visionary goal: to faithfully rebuild a late 18th-century frigate in the heart of Rochefort’s historic arsenal.

Years of intense preparation followed: gathering historical sources, the painstaking reconstruction of plans, and the search for the right craftsmen. The reconstruction of this symbolic ship is far more than technical—it is the reclamation of a maritime heritage that has shaped the identity of an entire region for centuries.

The historic arsenal in Rochefort – Home port of the L'Hermione.

L'Hermione ship's plan | © Bert Schwarz 2023
18th-century precision: The reconstructed plans of the frigate.

Rivalry on the High Seas

At the end of the 18th century, France’s fleet competed fiercely with the Royal Navy for colonial supremacy. The uprising of the 13 American colonies provided the perfect opportunity to weaken England. During this time, the military industry in Rochefort was in full swing—in 1779 alone, four frigates were commissioned, laying the foundation for a fleet of 13 ships of this class.

L'Hermione main deck | © Bert Schwarz 2023
Tangible craftsmanship: The main deck of the Hermione.
L'Hermione rudder | © Bert Schwarz 2023
Massive technology: A look at the rudder system.
L'Hermione compass navigation | © Bert Schwarz 2023
Pure navigation: Compass and historical instruments.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, a new future is being built in Rochefort. At the "L'Hermione" shipyard, programs have been established to revive ancient shipbuilding skills and make them useful for the seafaring of tomorrow. For us, it is a fascinating discovery of our neighbor’s history.

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