French maritime enthusiasts are battling to save a replica of an 18th-century warship that became a symbol of the country’s historic relationship with America. Campaigners have raised €5m (£4.3m) to replace part of the rotted structure but say they need another €5m to make the vessel seaworthy again. In 1780, the original ship made the voyage to America to help the revolutionaries led by George Washington in the war of independence. Unlike the original, the replica has modern navigation equipment and electric motors for manoeuvring in and out of ports. “About 10% of the hull wood was damaged; we have replaced the wood in the rear part but now we urgently need €5m to complete the work,” Beau said.