Yacht charter in Port Leucate · Beneteau — Oceanis 430 (1992)

Response from Romain, Owner: I disagree with what Julien just said, and I thank Click&Boat for allowing me to respond. Here are the facts: Julien informed me at 11:15 a.m. that approximately 500 liters of water were in the boat, that the starboard sink was full of water, and that the vang had been torn off. However, they wanted to continue their journey, explaining that the bilge pump would suck up the water. When they clarified that it was seawater and explained the quantity of water, I actually asked them to return or go to the nearest port. If there was a leak, the boat would sink. Julien says there wasn't much wind and that it was all the boat's fault. Yet that same day, in the area where he was, a steady wind of 20 knots and gusts of 32 knots were recorded. This is not the same version. The professionals are unanimous on what happened. First of all, they didn't close the toilet valves, and it caused a siphon. Then they heeled the boat. Before they left, they explained to me that when you know how to sail, "you don't need to reduce the sails." That same day in Port Leucate, they decided to stop the regatta because there were too many waves. So when you set off with the wind and waves in your face, and you don't reduce the sails on a well-sailed boat, you heel the boat. The proof that the boat was indeed heeled is that they bent the first spreader. To rip off a vang and the lips of the mast, you need a violent jibe, or the boom got carried away when they tilted the boat. Regarding the large porthole: it worked perfectly, and when they came back it was right horizontal, and I saw that it had been torn from its base. Julien says it's seized up. It didn't seize up in two hours, nor was it torn off for no reason. It just so happens to be at the foot of the mast, where the vang was torn off. What a coincidence? According to the professionals, it shouldn't have been closed and it was carried away by the vang. As for the aggression, I was only defending myself. There were 6 of them, and I was all alone. They did everything to impress me so as not to file a claim. One of them (not Julien) tried to hit me with the boat's boat hook. Another started making boxing movements and warming up. Luckily for me, the neighbor came out to offer his help and calm them down. But their goal had been achieved: I wasn't really able to record everything on the report. As for their attitude, I was shocked from start to finish: - They wanted to leave without a vang, with a bent spreader, without a bilge pump (it burned out), and a porthole that wouldn't close. Incomprehensible! - On Saturday evening, I was alerted by the boat's neighbors: they were shouting at 3 a.m., preventing everyone from sleeping. One of them was standing on the boom singing, another trying to climb the mast. I was told about a lot of cases of alcohol. As for the financial aspect, here's the reality. The work will cost at least €10,000, as it will require dismasting and starting over. Because of them, I had to cancel the week-long rental, which was coming right after. Today, my boat is immobilized for 4 to 6 months. Julien talks about blocked valves: this is not the case; all the through-hull fittings and valves were replaced in 2020. In 2013, I spent €25,000 on repairs and maintenance on the boat. The boat was dismasted and inspected in 2019. The standing keel was replaced at that time. My boat is perfectly maintained. Julien says I asked them to leave the boat early; that's not true! They asked me to come (via WhatsApp) at 2:30 p.m. because of the bad weather. I just did what they wanted. Thanks to Julien and his friends for this weekend that changed everything for me. ********************************************************************************************* Rental for 6 people over a 3-day weekend, from Friday 7:30 pm to Sunday 5:00 pm. Very pleasant preliminary communication and a very warm welcome. Romain had prepared the check-in, which was completed in 30 minutes. The boat was well-equipped but suggested minimal maintenance. First night in port, comfortable boat. It was on Saturday that things went wrong. We had barely left the port upwind (about 2 hours of sailing), with 2 reefs in the genoa, heading south in 15 knots of wind (max). A leak was observed, of unknown origin (~500 L in the boat). The water didn't subside even after speaking to Romain on the phone and trying to operate a few seized valves. The bilge pump is ineffective. We decide to return to port. 15 minutes after the return tack, at full load, the vang rips off the mast, revealing signs of corrosion. We help Romain empty, clean, and repair the boat. The deck porthole is open to allow buckets of water to pass through, and remains stuck. It's impossible to close without removing the fiberglass screws. Corrosion is highly likely. The boat being unusable, we demand a refund for the remainder of the stay, which Romain refuses. He changes his tone, accuses us of poor sailing, doesn't listen to us, asks us to vacate the boat the next morning (before the end of the charter), remains stubborn, aggressive, and dishonest. He offers to lend us the boat for three days at a later date, which we refuse. Due to a lack of availability and a loss of confidence in the boat. In short, we finally leave on Sunday afternoon after a two-hour stormy inventory. I've been sailing for a long time (regattas, cruises), and problems happen due to wear and tear on the boat. But this is the first time I've had so many breakdowns at sea, and what's more, attributable to poor boat maintenance. I deeply regret Romain's lack of tact, who lost his temper in the heat of the moment. It ruined our weekend and cost him this negative review. I therefore strongly advise against chartering this boat if you're skippering it yourself. Or double-check everything.

It's a good boat, very comfortable, and with many extras that add quality to the stay, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, barbecue, snorkeling, and fishing equipment. There are some maintenance issues that the owner will address, but the basics have worked perfectly. Communication with Romain has been very good, and he has provided us with many facilities at all times.

Romain is a charming owner and always willing to help. Although he had some things that didn't work, the essentials were in good condition and carefully maintained. The boat, although a classic, is sturdy and responsive. We were five adults staying there for four days and had a wonderful time and were very comfortable. We will definitely stay with Romain and Petite Île again!

We spent an exceptional week on Petite Ile thanks to Romain, between Port Leucat and Cadaques. Petite Ile is a very safe and well-equipped boat. Romain was an outstanding skipper. Whatever the conditions, Romain was able to adapt wonderfully to everyone's wishes, thanks in large part to his local knowledge. In a consistently warm atmosphere, Romain shared his passion for sailing with us, and with great teaching skills, he helped both adults and teenagers gain independence in every way. A thousand thanks again!

Great stay on a small island. Romain was a friendly co-sailor who was attentive to our family's safety. We were able to discover Cap Creus, Cadaques, Collioure and slept at anchor in a fabulous cove! A great experience for us who knew nothing about life on a sailboat.

Romain took our family to explore Cadaqués and its surroundings. He introduced us to the wonderful and beautiful places around Cadaqués. Romain gave us space and a voice, and was a great host. He shared his expertise with both us and our children. We were able to enjoy Romain's cooking. It was a truly wonderful experience!