LHERMIONE
Kurs/Position
vor 1876 Tagen
Die letzten Häfen
Die letzten Wegpunkte
Die neuesten Nachrichten
Future of iconic replica frigate in limbo
The future of the "L'Hermione" is uncertain. The "L'Hermione"-La Fayette association is battling both an attack by wood-destroying fungi and a lack of resources to meet the enormous restoration costs, which amount to ten million euros. The La Rochelle Commercial Court has placed the Hermione-La Fayette operating association in receivership. The operator is struggling with technical problems. It now has four to six months to stabilize its financial situation and present a viable rescue plan. The Lafayette "L'Hermione" Association was founded in 1992 by a group of maritime history enthusiasts. Construction began in 1997 in Rochefort and was largely carried out using traditional shipbuilding techniques. After its completion, "L'Hermione" undertook several iconic voyages, including a 2015 Atlantic crossing to the Americas, retracing the Lafayette's historic journey. During an inspection in 2021, extensive rot damage was found on the planking of the "L'Hermione." Repairing this damage requires a complete reconstruction, which is expected to be completed this year. The frigate is primarily affected at the stern by two fungi that cause rot: porling and lenzites. Seven % of the wooden structure must be replaced. This corresponds to a volume of 40 cubic meters of wood. For reasons of cost and greater strength, solid wood is no longer used, but shaped glued timber. However, due to a lack of funding, the work has had to be suspended for the time being. FThe costs of maintenance, repair, and ongoing operation of the historic replica far exceed the revenue that can be generated from tours and public events. In the past, the association has already had to resort to donations and public subsidies on several occasions to ensure the ship's preservation. Only about half of the funds needed for the renovation have been gathered so far. 1.243 / 5.000 On Sep 18, 2025, the La Rochelle Commercial Court announced the opening of receivership proceedings for the Hermione-La Fayette Association. The association now benefits from an initial four-month observation period, which may be extended to six months. During this period, a viable solution to the financial problems must be found. This decision follows a receivership hearing held in early September, the results of which were officially announced on Sep 22. A trustee and a receiver have been appointed by the court and are now responsible for auditing the accounts and overseeing the association's management. This measure aims to ensure that the available funds are used optimally and that no further financial commitments are made, which could exacerbate the situation. September salaries will be covered by the AGS (Wage Guarantee Insurance), an organization designed to protect employees when the employer no longer has sufficient resources. The receivership is a clear sign that the project is no longer able to pay its short-term debts. To avoid total liquidation and save the ship, the association must now act quickly and convince partners, local authorities, and potential patrons to make a financial commitment.
Hermione en route to Bayonne for repairs
The 'L'Hermione' has lefts the Arsenal des Mers in Rochefort on Sep 8 for repairs in dry dock in Bayonne. She will be docked for six months after surveys carried out in water in La Pallice in June by experts had shown damages below the waterline which forced the ship to postpone its trip to northern Europe. The damage was regarded as serious. The extent and the precise duration of the work will only be known when the ship has been dry-docked. Off the island of Aix the masts will be stilted while at anchor until Sep 10.Then the 'L’Hermione' will have a 10-day window to reach Bayonne, where she is expected between Sep 12 and 19 S The work constitutes a real technical, financial and human challenge for the Hermione-Lafayette Association. Report with photos: https://actu.fr/nouvelle-aquitaine/rochefort_17299/rochefort-l-hermione-contraint-de-reporter-son-voyage-en-europe-du-nord_44679720.html
L'Hermione begins its Atlantic crossing
L'Hermione is a replica of the vessel in which the Marquis de Lafayette sailed in 1780 to join the revolutionaries during the American War of Independence.
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