The Hermione, which was to return to the Napoleon III dry dock, the basin in which she was to spend the winter, is stuck in the Rochefort commercial port. Since her departure on September 6, a lot of mud has accumulated in the Hermione's home port, making it impossible for the frigate to be installed. Indeed, she would be in danger of running aground trapped in the mud, and the work to clear it was not as quick as expected. In fact, it would be a breakdown of the dredger which would have caused delay in the work. A dredger from the General Council is now working to get the boat back on its home platform.
The transfer of the Hermione has therefore been postponed by 15 days and should take place on December 5 or 6. In the meantime, the Hermione Lafayette Association, thanks to the City of Rochefort and the General Council of Charente Maritime, has been able to benefit from an exceptional arrangement in the Rochefort commercial port to facilitate visits and to carry out the maintenance work essential to the wintering of the frigate.
Visit the Hermione
Guided tours are offered to visitors. These tours named "Au cÅur de l'Hermione" are organized every day on a 1h15 duration. Tourists will be able to discover the interior of the ship, the living spaces, the sleeping quartersâ?¦
From Wednesday, November 26, free visits of the upper deck of the Hermione will be organized. A coxswain will tell his story and describe his experience of navigation.
