Cygnet
New member
Having sailing my Signet 20 to Port Bloc I decided that I would have it transported by road to Toulon (where it is now). For this I engaged the services of a French Naval Services company who prepared the boat for transport and then they sub-contracted the transport to another French Company. The boat arrived in Toulon 7 days late, complete with a broken mast (it was fine when it left Port Bloc). The transporter driver left the boat without my being there and the mast on the floor which he said he unloaded alone. I was not given any opportunity to inspect the boat. The signature on the delivery note was obtained from a member of the office staff at Port Pin Rolland, without my authority. The transport company denies responsibility.
If anyone can help, the questions I have are;
1) Are the laws of privity of contract the same in France as in England - i.e. I have to persue the company I contracted with, even though quite clearly it is their transport sub-contractor who is responsible.
2) Is there an equivalent of the Small Claims Court in France.
3) Does anyone have any idea where I might find a replacement mast (new or secondhand) - 7.4m x 115mm x 75mm with masthead rig and tabbernackle fixing at base (a couple of holes for bolts to go through). Z Spars say they will not sell just the mast section, only a complete mast with all fixings - where possible I wish to transfer across the mast fittings, boom, rigging etc.
4) Assuming I can find a suitable replacement, but that this is in England, what is the best way to get it to Toulon - reputable (reliable) transport companies capable of transporting a mast at reasonable cost.
5) Given that the mast is sheared about half way along its length, is it possible to repair the joint using tubing of the 'tight fit diameter (or even hardwood fashioned to fit the internal profie of the mast) and say a 300mm high band of stainless steel sheet riveted straddling the fracture. Is it possible to weld a mast.
A lot of questions for a Monday, but any help or advice would be gratefully received.
Mat
If anyone can help, the questions I have are;
1) Are the laws of privity of contract the same in France as in England - i.e. I have to persue the company I contracted with, even though quite clearly it is their transport sub-contractor who is responsible.
2) Is there an equivalent of the Small Claims Court in France.
3) Does anyone have any idea where I might find a replacement mast (new or secondhand) - 7.4m x 115mm x 75mm with masthead rig and tabbernackle fixing at base (a couple of holes for bolts to go through). Z Spars say they will not sell just the mast section, only a complete mast with all fixings - where possible I wish to transfer across the mast fittings, boom, rigging etc.
4) Assuming I can find a suitable replacement, but that this is in England, what is the best way to get it to Toulon - reputable (reliable) transport companies capable of transporting a mast at reasonable cost.
5) Given that the mast is sheared about half way along its length, is it possible to repair the joint using tubing of the 'tight fit diameter (or even hardwood fashioned to fit the internal profie of the mast) and say a 300mm high band of stainless steel sheet riveted straddling the fracture. Is it possible to weld a mast.
A lot of questions for a Monday, but any help or advice would be gratefully received.
Mat
