At the age of 34, François has already known three professional lives all related to his passion for boats. He worked several years as a carpenter building magnificent small modern wooden boats. After this he work on the preparation on boats for offshore racing, notably Figaro Bénéteau. With the technical experience gained and animated by his passion, he then trained at the Institut Nautique de Bretagne when a Bénéteau dealer gave him the responsibility for an agency in Port-la-Fôret. At the same time, he has always been sailing on dinghys, catamarans, Surprise, J 80 and classic sailing yachts such as the Pen Duick. Currently he races with his Gib’Sea 80+ and with other enthusiasts they are trying to revive the series.

This accumulation of experiences is a richness that François shares with Antipode’s clients. « When I discover boat, I have a trained eye to appreciate the complete condition. I can give well informed advice on all the technical parts and the navigation program suitable for each boat.» François joined the team in 2019. Based in Port-la-Fôret, he is our interlocutor in Finistère. « Since years back Antipode have developed efficient tools to offer a quality service that has made their reputation. I am very happy to have integrated the team and share my passion with our clients. I am not a very ordinary seller, I can only sell boats! »

Julie joined the Antipode Yacht team in spring 2018 after always having worked with boats. For nine years Julie was the purchasing manager for an important boat yard for sailing and power boats. She knows all about the equipment related to boats perfectly well. The past ten years she has worked for a marine electronics company that works on racing and cruising boats.

Julie speaks fluent English and stands out for her good organisation skills, rigor and constant good mood. « I’m delighted to have joined the team, I really like the spirit of this small company. The atmosphere is really dynamic and friendly. The rigor does not stop us from enjoying work, on the contrary, as we work well, and our clients’ satisfaction is our pride. » Julie leaves the mainland on a regular basis to sail away cruising or for a day out on the family’s renovated Caravelle… which is not for sale ;-)

Catharina HOLMBERG She speaks three languages fluently, French, English and Swedish, her mother tongue that makes the communication with the Scandinavian countries much easier. "It’s a real advantage in the exchanges with our clients from abroad". She knows all the moorings in South Brittany that she explores with her family on board of a "Vintage" Mousquetaire.

At Antipode, she appreciates the Anglo-Saxon mentality : "we are a reactive company, in which everyone cares for the customers. We are all dynamic people. We always answer our e-mails promptly. It’s a straight, organized company that does not play about" she says with a slight accent. Catharina is like a "Swiss knife" for Antipode : translation, marketing, sales administration, transfer of ownership, export documentation… she keeps track of all the files and nothing escapes her !

Catharina has been working for ANTIPODE since 2009.