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! »

Catherine joined Antipode in 2023 after having spent over 30 years in the cosmetic industry. She has boats “in her genes”. As a child she helped her father build their own sailing boat, a beautiful catamaran that brought the family to the Antilles. Catherine cruised around the Golfe du Morbihan and its islands on board the successive family boats (First 211, First 260, Dehler 29) and then with her racing partner, even though she readily admits that she prefers “reading and fishing when it is possible !”. From her past in the world of cosmetics, Catherine has kept her scientific rigor, her versatility, her optimism and great curiosity. A precious quality for her as in parallel she practices traditional Chinese medicine.

“I’m delighted to have joined team, very friendly and committed. We create a relation with our clients with rigour and delight !”

Born and raised in the Golfe du Morbihan, Axel could have joined the Merchant Navy like his father and grandfather before him. But after having studied at the ESCAM commerce school in Brest, Axel joined Antipode on a work-study program in Octobre 2023 as part of his Bachelors in Commerce, Marketing and Sales at ESUP in Vannes. Passionate about surfing as much as fishing, Axel has already gained experiences where the sea is never far away : welcoming of the boats on the water at the marina of l’Ile aux Moines or oyster farms. Learning to sell, learning to sail: that’s what drives Axel.

“With Antipode I have discovered a team that really listens to their clients. The market is dynamic, our mission is exciting : I like to sell everything and being in contact with the client and try to understand their expectations as best I can. I believe I will live a very enriching experience.”