Mast removal for French canal trip to Med

[Edsouthall]

I am planning to head for the Med entering the Seine near L'Havre and following the canals to the Rhone and on to the Med. My boat is a Sadler Starlight 35.
Does anyone have experience of getting the mast removed and transported by lorry to Port Louis. Any advice and contacts most appreciated.
thanks
Ed

 

[pcatterall]

Went from Le Havre to Rouen with masts up. Very competent removal by the ( only?) operator there. We did the trip with the masts on deck. there were no overhang issues though we are a ketch and our main will be a bit shorter than yours. We had carried some semi ready cross braces made up in the UK and did some final cutting bracing and bolting on site. We do have a solid dog house though and this was usefull.
Went to Navy Yard at port St louis and they dropped the masts back very efficiently. Enjoy the trip!

 

[LadyInBed]

Went from Le Havre to Rouen with masts up. Very competent removal by the ( only?) operator there.

Yes, that's the way. They are well used to sorting out masts at Rouen marina.