A boat with a dangerously impacted structure
In the fall of 2021, the frigate Hermione, the flagship of the French fleet of historic ships, will undergo a major refit in the port of Bayonne. But unfortunately, the teams in charge of the works discover in the planking of the 18th century ship replica slow-growing mushrooms which attacked the hull of the vessel. The ship was immobilized in the dry dock of the Basque port to learn more about the extent of the damage.
After a year of work and study with specialists and experts in wood and shipbuilding, as well as historians, the extent of the operations to be carried out to save the ship has been evaluated. 7% of the wooden structure of the ship must be changed. This represents a volume of 40 m3 of wood. The good news is above all that the companies commissioned for the work, Asselin and Chantier du Guip, as well as the main contractor Yacht Concept, consider the ship repairable.
Extensive work open to the public
A blessing in disguise, marine carpentry enthusiasts will be able to attend the work. As was the case during the construction in Rochefort, visitors will have access to the construction site to see the wood work in the port of Bayonne. The duration of the work is estimated between 15 and 18 months.
Finding the funds
The Hermione La Fayette Foundation, owner of the ship, has received support from local authorities, the Charente-Maritime department, the New Aquitaine region and the State, and has been able to take out a loan to carry out the first works. However, the budget still needed is 6.5 Meuros. She is therefore appealing to the public's generosity to help the frigate get back on the water as soon as possible so that everyone can admire her under sail in her element.
