While she is undergoing a technical stop, the discovery of damaged planks on the frigate Hermione requires important works. With a budget estimated between 2 and 3 Meuros, the association owner of the ship calls for solidarity and visitors. Guillaume Normandin, technical director, answers questions about this important project.
Why does the Hermione need major work?
In May 2021, the Hermione's crew noticed a damage on a planking located at the rear port side. A temporary repair was carried out to allow the ship to return to the water and for the crew to prepare for a long refit. After inspection and analysis, the frigate was found to be a victim of a slow growing fungus. The extent of the damage is not yet defined, and it will be necessary to remove the planks of the sailboat on the whole of its rear part to define the extent of the work.
This heavy operation also requires the removal of some of the 220 tons of ballast to clear the bottom, the removal of the rudder and also the dismantling of a large part of the interior fittings.
Why did you send the frigate to Bayonne?
The port of Rochefort could not accommodate the ship on dry land for technical reasons, so the site of Bayonne was chosen. The frigate reached the port of Bayonne by its own means, under sail, during a navigation in mild conditions.
Since the frigate has been landed in the shape of Anglet (near Bayonne), the team is advancing step by step on the installation of the shipyard in order to prepare as well as possible these long works. The team is also preparing to organize visits from the general public. In fact, thanks to its commitments, the ship and the shipyard will be open to the public so that visitors can continue to enjoy the ship.
What happened to the Rochefort shipyard, where the ship was built?
The Rochefort workshop site remains active, with the construction of a new set of sails, in order to prepare for future sailing. The workshop also worked on the construction of a capstan, which is intended to facilitate certain deck maneuvers under sail.
The Hermione's longboat is also undergoing a major refit in the workshops.
How long will this project last?
The team has assumed a minimum of 10 months of construction. If, by any chance, future investigations reveal bad surprises, we know that the dry dock is available for one year. Therefore, we had to change the sailing schedule for the first half of 2022.
We must not forget that the keel of the frigate was laid 25 years ago, and that this type of work is not exceptional for a ship like the Hermione. The first challenge was to build the ship. The second was to sail and complete several transatlantic voyages. The third challenge will be to carry out this major technical stop in good conditions. The team of volunteers of the association remains united and more motivated than ever to sail the beautiful ship again as soon as possible.
