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More than 200 years after the original was wrecked at sea, a life-sized replica of the Hermione has embarked on a series of sea trials to prepare for its maiden transatlantic voyage.

The replica of the French navy frigate that shipped General Lafayette to America in 1780 tested the waters for the first time today after her careful construction lasted 17 years.

The three-masted ship departed a harbour in Rochefort, France in a major step toward its voyage to the US, where it will follow in the footsteps of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette in April 2015.

C'est magnifique: A life-sized replica of French navy frigate the Hermione has set sail for the first time

Return to glory: The back of the 213ft-long frigate, a replica of the original, is pictured at a harbour in France

Completed in 1779, the original Hermione is famous for ferrying General Lafayette to America to lead rebels fighting British troops in the US War of Independence.

The wooden replica was built with 18th century shipbuilding techniques and materials - from the pulley systems to the massive oak hull - and cost a staggering £20million to complete. It was financed by the shipyard's four million visitors and crowd-funding efforts.

Its construction began in 1997 after a group of enthusiasts formed the Hermione-Lafayette Association, attracting artisan craftsmen from across Europe.

Benedict Donnelly, the association's president, the Agence France-Presse: 'It is an important step to sail Hermione at sea, which no one has ever done.

'There is real pride in the collective force behind this project. There have been tense moments, but we remained united.' 

What a sight: The original Hermione carried General Lafayette to America in 1780

Maiden voyage: The replica will sail to the US in April 2015 once sea trials and final preparations are finished

Labour of love: The wooden replica was built with 18th century shipbuilding techniques at a cost of £20million

After departing Rochefort, the new version will make its way to the Atlantic Ocean, where it will spend several weeks partaking in sea trials while based at Ile-d'Aix.

Thousands of people queued along the Charente river to catch a glimpse of the 213ft-long frigate, whose departure was delayed until today due to a build-up of sediment.

It was a moment nearly two decades in the making. 

Towering ship: Thousands of people turned out to get a look at the Hermione in Rochefort, France

Aye aye, captain: Yann Cariou, an ex-naval officer, will captain the frigate for its maiden voyage to the US

Once the sea trials are complete, the Hermione will displayed to the public in Bordeaux for nearly a full week in October before returning to Rochefort to prepare for its journey overseas.

The replica will follow the same route that General Lafayette took, with an arrival in Yorktown, Virginia scheduled for June 2015.

Yann Cariou, an ex-naval officer, will captain the frigate for its maiden voyage to the US. The original was wrecked at sea in 1793.

GENERAL LAFAYETTE: 'A HERO OF TWO WORLDS'

Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, better known as General Lafayette

French General Lafayette became one of the most important figures in the US War of Independence (1775–1783).

Born into the aristocratic Motier family, known by their noble title of La Fayette, he became a hero thanks to his actions in key battles with British troops.

In April 1780, he arrived aboard the Hermione in command of French forces – marking his second trip to America during the war – and within a year was put in charge of the defence of Virginia with the rank of major general.

Lafayette's strategies eventually drew British General Charles Cornwallis into a trap at Yorktown, Virginia, where he was defeated by French and American forces.

Cornwallis' surrender brought the war to an end.

Lafayette was celebrated as 'a hero of two worlds' and was given the rank of brigadier general in the French army.

He died in May 1834 following a battle with pneumonia.

-encyclopedia.com