Yacht charter in Ajaccio · Jeanneau — Sun Rise (1987)

Damien gave us a very warm welcome and gave us great advice on our sailing program. He knows the boat and the sailing area very well. The boat is as described, despite its age. Ezebiane is simple and robust, the engine is reliable and the sails are in good condition.

Technical condition and performance of the boat: The boat is an older vessel preserved in its original condition. While it generally performs well under sail (good upwind performance and sound handling in gusts), several technical issues hampered safety and the enjoyment of sailing: * Deck hardware: The genoa cars are unreliable and extremely difficult to adjust under load. * Rigging: The 150% genoa, although effective in light winds, proves unsuitable as soon as the wind picks up. This limitation was exacerbated by the charter company's explicit prohibition against reefing it, effectively restricting our sailing range. * Critical equipment: The windlass was inoperative (the chain kept jumping off), causing us difficulties during anchoring maneuvers. The engine overheating alarm also triggered several times, requiring on-water diagnosis. Comfort and Logistics: General maintenance and inventory need improvement for a charter service: * Hygiene: Insufficient overall cleanliness upon handover. * Equipment: Worn and stained dishes, lack of basic kitchen knives. Relationship with the charter company and customer service: This was the most disappointing aspect of our experience: * Condescension and sexism: During the handover, the charter company questioned our sailing skills, claiming we were asking "too many questions." This attitude, perceived as condescending towards an all-female crew, is regrettable and inappropriate. * Lack of follow-up: During the cruise, the charter company was virtually unreachable (unanswered calls, no return calls within 24 hours) despite serious issues (windlass and engine). * Positive note: We would like to highlight the responsiveness and friendliness of the mechanic, who was our only reliable support for the engine diagnosis. Conclusion and recommendation: Despite a mixed experience with this charter company due to a lack of professionalism and maintenance, sailing in the region was exceptional. The Ajaccio basin and southern Corsica offer sublime landscapes and marine areas. Although anchorages can sometimes be difficult to identify, especially in heavy westerly swells, the island's wild beauty and the quality of the waters more than compensate for the technical demands of the area. We wholeheartedly recommend Corsica as a destination and regret that in 2025, a crew of female sailors still has to face such prejudices instead of receiving proper technical support.