Rigging in France

[jimali]

Hi

I am looking to take my 35 footer down through the French canals exiting near Marseilles. As the mast has to come down I thought it might be a good time to renew the standing rigging. Has anyone any experience of having the work carried out in France - presumably the Marseilles end would be the best bet when the mast is re-stepped. Any advice or recommendations would be very welcome.

Thanks

 

[alandee]

Hi. We did the trip last year and replaced a back stay and the baby stay when the mast was stepped at Pt Napoleon. The guys are excellent and reasonable.

 

[FAITIRA]

Just as a matter of interest Alan, were they Brits? if it,s the same lads I unstepped the mast there in 92 and as you say very helpfull and cheap. Bill.

 

[chamac]

Had a bad experience in Port Napoleon last year. Booked the crane for 5:30 PM and started loosening rigging for dismasting. Crane drivers came and said they were finishing at 4:30. They were amused at our panic to get the rigging ready. We had to cut some stiff rigging screws to meet their deadline as our flights were next morning. Only when I lost the head and roared a few F%$ks at them did they offer any help. They were still working at 7:00 that evening! They sounded Dutch to me. They were marina staff because one of them drove us in the airport shuttle car the next day. He was a very quiet lad then with three pairs of angry eyes burning the back of his head.
If I had to use them again I would get the deal in writing in advance with the boss before I started.

 

[FAITIRA]

Things seem to have changed then, sadly. Wonder if it,s the same crowd?