This first stopover in Yorktown will forever mark the consecration of a somewhat crazy dream to rebuild, identically, the frigate that took La Fayette to help the American insurgents fight for their independence. It all began 20 years ago in Rochefort and this great voyage is the culmination of the work of the members of the Hermione La Fayette Association, the builders, the partners and the communities. After the military and official honors, a real popular fervor accompanied the arrival of the Hermione and her crew.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9, Yann Cariou and his crew will anchor on the Potomac River, in front of Mount Vernon, the estate where George Washington took up residence and where he has been buried since 1799. Exceptionally, the frigate cannot be visited during this stopover, but tourists will be able to admire it from the shore.
In the evening, a gala dinner will be organized at Mount Vernon by Moët Hennessy, an opportunity to auction the first of two barrels of "Coupe Hennessy 250" Cognac. They were loaded into the holds of the Hermione last March to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the house founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Mount Vernon Ladie's Association, which works to promote the memory of George Washington's home. The second sale will take place on July 7 in New York during the Jas Hennessy & Co. 250th anniversary event.
To conclude this stopover of the Hermione, a great fireworks display will be fired and the frigate will set sail again during the night to head for Alexandria, a few miles from Washington, where she is expected on the morning of June 10.
Mount Vernon Stopover Program:
- Arrival at the anchorage in the early morning
- Dinner and auction: June 9, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. (local time)
- Fireworks: June 9, 9 p.m. (local time)
