Hermione - a 32-gun Concorde-class frigate fitted for 12-pounder guns - dockyards of Rochefort, France

Uwek

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During the visit of the modelers event in Rochefort I had the chance to visit also the frigate Hermione in the docks of Rochefort. In the first post you can find a short description, following the photos I made during my visit....if questions, please do not hesitate to ask

IMG_05751.JPG
photo by Uwe

From wikipedia:

The Hermione is a 32-gun Concorde-class frigate fitted for 12-pounder guns, completed in Rochefort by the Asselin organisation in 2014. She is a reproduction of the 1779 Hermione, which achieved fame by ferrying General La Fayette to the United States in 1780 to allow him to rejoin the American side in the American Revolutionary War.

Construction
This project was conceived by members of the Centre International de la Mer in 1992, and construction began in 1997, envisaging a launch in April 2015 (as compared to the original, which took less than a year to build).

The shipyard was in one of the two dry docks beside the Corderie Royale at Rochefort.

As far as possible, traditional construction methods were used although modern power tools were substituted for the period tools on some jobs. The site is open to the public, and admission fees help fund the project.

English plans of a sister ship, Concorde, were used. The cost was estimated to be $22 million. The original plans had been modified in several ways for reasons of strength and safety: planks had been bolted rather than pegged to avoid movement during the long period of construction. Similarly, the mast sections were fastened with glue rather than metal hoops to avoid water penetration. The cannons are lightweight and non-functional to save weight, and for legal and safety reasons. Hemprigging was used, and the sails made of linen.

An engine will be used for safety, and electric generators for lighting and basic amenities.

2015 voyage
In preparation for a transatlantic voyage in 2015, the frigate departed from Rochefort and started her seaworthiness trials on 7 September 2014.

In April 2015, Hermione started her return voyage to the United States.[4] Hermione’s itinerary is meant to reaffirm the relationship between the United States and France.

1920px-The_Hermione_being_escorted_by_the_USS_Mitscher_(DDG-57)_(1).jpg
Hermione welcomed in US waters by USS Mitscher.
Hermione departed from La Rochelle on 18 April 2015.

2018 voyage

HermioneInNewYork20150701.jpg
French replica light frigate Hermione at New York South Street Seaport Pier 15, 1st of July 2015
On 2 February 2018, the Hermione undertook another voyage leaving Rochefort for the Mediterranean with 11 stopovers including Tangier, Sète, Marseille and Toulon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_frigate_Hermione_(2014)

and the official web-page of the Hermione:


https://www.hermione.com/en/home/
 
Just found an interesting video about the construction of the Hermione


and much more videos on the youtube channel of the ship

 
Another interesting video(s) - Many thanks to @Charles QC who posted it in a building log.



Please take also a look at the Hermion youtube-channel with a lot more videos

 
This series of excellent photos captures what must have been the essence of what a trained eye sees in the details of the vessel and well shares in the expeience that was received and will be remembered for years, virtually and in model projects. Well done!!!! Nothing like real life hands on rewards for the trip.
 
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