Since its launch in 2014 after nearly twenty years of construction, the replica of the Hermione - the famous 1779 frigate that carried the Marquis de La Fayette to the United States - has aroused admiration, volunteer commitment and maritime passion. But behind the symbolism, the Hermione-La Fayette Association is going through a major financial storm, as a recent report by the Chambre régionale des comptes de Nouvelle-Aquitaine reminds us. The issue is no longer technical or historical. It is now economic, political, and perhaps existential: should the Hermione be saved?
A heritage ambition out of breath
The frigate, built identically to the original plans in Rochefort, has benefited from massive public support âeuros close to 19 million euros since 1997. However, its business model, based on event sailing, stopovers, visits and patronage, is showing its limits. The health crisis, technical constraints âeuros including a major restoration of the living works âeuros and soaring operating costs have resulted in a deficit estimated at 4.5 million euros.
The restoration project is currently on hold, awaiting financing. The prospect of participating in transatlantic events in 2026 to celebrate American Independence remains uncertain. The frigate is docked. And economic equilibrium seems out of reach without a structured rescue plan.
Weakened governance
The report from the Chambre régionale des comptes highlights the association's perfectible management: unpublished accounts for over ten years, unclear governance, lack of formalized procedures for cash receipts and on-board ticketing. In other words, an association driven by the enthusiasm of its members, but which has failed to professionalize its management to match its ambitions.
The hiring of professional sailors, long and costly voyages, and dependence on subsidies have increased costs without guaranteeing the sustainability of the model. The Chamber recommends an in-depth reorganization plan. It remains to be seen who will take responsibility.
L'Hermione, a mission of general interest?
Is the frigate a heritage asset of national interest or a local project overtaken by its ambitions? The stakes go beyond Rochefort alone. L'Hermione is a showcase for French naval expertise, a vehicle for training in maritime trades, and an educational, cultural and tourism project. But it's also a financial sinkhole that hasn't been able to find its economic model.
Other maritime heritage players, such as the Belem Association and the Fondation du Patrimoine, are watching the situation closely. The French government, via the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of the Sea, has not yet taken a position. Private sponsorship could play a role, provided the project is redefined on a realistic basis.
Contrasting examples: Marité and HMS Victory
The Hermione's situation is not isolated. Other historic tall ships are navigating between financial difficulties and institutional recognition. The case of Marité the last French terre-neuvier built in 1923, illustrates the limits of a model based on a fragile balance between tourism and public support. Owned by local authorities in Normandy, the Granville-based sailboat is also affected by fungus, and is struggling to find the funding to ensure her return to the water.
Conversely, the HMS Victory the flagship of the Royal Navy and Lord Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar, enjoys a solid institutional status. Stationed in Portsmouth, it is maintained by the National Museum of the Royal Navy with long-term government funding. The British navy sees it as a strategic heritage tool, integrated into a coherent museum, military and tourism scheme.
This approach ensures that HMS Victory will be preserved for the long term, although regular heavy investment is still required for public access. Maintenance work, costing £52 million, began in 2024 and is expected to last around 15 years.
Both cases underline the fact that, without a strong anchoring in a long-term national or regional strategy, historic tall ships risk becoming burdens for their managers. For the Hermione, the future will depend on a clear choice between maritime ambition, museum anchoring or stopping sailing.
What way out of the crisis?
Several hypotheses are being put forward: a turnaround led by a public or semi-public operator; a partial takeover by a private group in the yachting or tourism sector; a permanent return to the quayside with integration into a museum or educational complex. The current cooperative status, while original, limits the room for maneuver when it comes to raising funds.
Finally, another option âeuros douloureux âeuros would be to abandon the high-seas sailing program, too costly, and refocus the project on a static museum vocation. Such a decision would mark the end of an era, but could ensure the boat's survival.
Saving the Hermione: on what terms?
Saving the Hermione is not an end in itself. It's about saving a cultural, historical and educational tool. But it can't be done without transparency, renewed governance and a sustainable economic model. The frigate can no longer sail on nostalgia alone.
To answer this question, we need to question the collective will to keep this heritage alive. And if we are to save the Hermione, it's to give her a clear, lasting direction. Not to artificially prolong a model that has run out of steam.
