Departure on 04 April 2019 – Return to Rochefort on 05 July 2019
After the Americas in 2015, Brittany in 2016 and the Mediterranean in 2018, the Hermione was to begin its 4th voyage on 4 April 2019, at 4 a.m. from Rochefort. The replica of the Lafayette frigate was to sail to the theme of “Normandie Liberté” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. Several stopovers and lots of showcases were to feature during the Hermione’s trip.
This “Normandie Liberté” itinerary was to close the Hermione’s tour of major French ports and was a way of saying thank you to all the French supporters of this gigantic reconstruction project.
On the initiative of this prestigious stopover, the City of Cherbourg in Cotentin, the Cotentin Agglomeration Community and the Manche Departmental Council financially supported this event, which was organised by the Cotentin Tourist Office.
From Saint-Nazaire to Nantes, large ships, old rigs, contemporary and innovative boats, small leisure and sports units, work boats, and racing sailboats paraded alongside the Hermione for an unprecedented nautical gala on the Loire, on Saturday 25 May. The Hermione, the Frigate of Liberty was moored on Quai de la Fosse until Monday 27 May.
Rouen as the high point of this 2019 Voyage, played host to the Hermione during the Armada de la Liberté. It was a gathering of the largest tall ships in the world, from 6 to 16 June 2019. This event was to unite over 30 large ships, international military vessels, state and sailing school tall ships for its 30th anniversary. The Armada de la Liberté was celebrated by sailing up and down the Seine (6 and 16 June) over 120 kilometres through the magnificent landscapes of Normandy.
With 2 to 3 million visitors expected in Rouen, it was the only festival of its kind in Europe and the crew of the Hermione were enthusiastic about participating for the very first time.
In addition to the contribution from the stopover cities, the Hermione is continuing discussions with economic players to achieve its financial objectives of achieving an equal public-private balance (50/50) as was the case in 2018. As such, the Hermione La Fayette Association is offering companies the opportunity to get involved in partnership and public relations, private events and/or sponsorship, allowing them to associate their image with the values represented by the Hermione and her crew.
A “Hermione Youth” sponsorship scheme run by the Fondation Hermione Academy and which is open to individuals, companies and institutions is responsible for sponsoring and financing the training of young local boatswains.
