On the traces of the landing of the French allies
After a short stopover in Greenport from July 6 to 8, the Hermione reached Newport, a marina in Rhode Island, located on the east coast of the United States. The French sailing ship was moored in Fort Adams from July 8 to 9, before heading to Boston.
A stopover with a strong symbolism since the city and its port played a great role in the American independence. "The original Hermione arrived here in June 1780 and the city was her home port for two years. A period during which she was under the direct command of the Massachusetts government, making the frigate one of the very first ships of... the US Navy! She was in charge of patrolling the coast and protecting it from the English " explains the frigate's blog.
Ceremonies and tributes for these 2 days of stopovers
At 1:00 p.m., the welcoming ceremony celebrated the arrival of the replica of La Fayette's ship in Rhode Island. For one hour, the Navy band, the ColorGuard, American and French officials welcomed Yann Cariou and his crew. On July 9, everyone attended a commemoration to celebrate the alliance of the French and American armies. The Army and Navy laid a wreath at the foot of the Rochambeau statue in Kings Park, Newport.
The boat's crew also received a medal from the Governor of Rhode Island.
On July 9, the farewell ceremony was held at Fort Adams. On this occasion, the crew of the Hermione marched with the crew of the USS Constitution. This was followed by a flag raising ceremony and a torchlight procession, before the frigate sailed away during the night of July 9-10.
A stopover full of symbols
Thus, in July 1780, the 5500 men of Rochambeau's expeditionary corps sent by Louis XVI to support the Americans in revolt landed in the port of Rhode Island. The French army turned the city into a stronghold and transformed Newport into a war port for one year. It was in 1781 that the French left Newport to fight the decisive battle of Yorktown. This was the first American stop of the frigate, on June 5th.
Newport is also a mecca for world sailing. For 50 years, it has hosted America's Cup races. "Old rigs are everywhere and Newport has a special attachment to the America's Cup. No less than four famous 12-meter JI's are here, permanently docked, taking visitors on board, including 3 Cup winners!" reads the Hermione's blog. But it was also the place where the finish of the solo transatlantic race was judged, starting from Plymouth, England.
All pictures are from the Hermione's blog
