E6 From cheffing to community and new york negotiations
In our sixth episode of Pearls' Tales from the Superyacht Laundry, we sit down with Jenn Downes, an ex-yacht chef turned 'Mother of Antibes' and dedicated entrepreneur.
Jenn, a Native New Yorker and trained psychologist, began her journey managing high-end restaurants and running her own catering business. Unexpected events of 9/11 meant Jenn found herself working and living the Caribbean island life in St Martin where she met the 'boat boy' - her eventual yacht Captain husband, Jason.
Their whirlwind romance also marked the beginning of her yachting career, as she joined him sailing and working around the world. The episode discusses the ups - her as the best chef an owner has ever had - and downs of yachting life, including Jenn's challenging time with her mother's passing.
Once they had had enough of 'billionaire babysitting,' they bought a property in Antibes, and the Crew Grapevine was born. Initially a place to share information, then potential apartments, they turned the Grapevine into the OG crew house: Portside, and welcomed guests the same day beds were being built.
Juggling this entrepreneurial journey as expats while expecting a baby wasn't the easiest, but with a confident persona and a desire to naturally look after people, Jenn quickly made the Grapevine into what it is today - a safe haven and fun community for yachties to stay in Antibes. Giving her best advice, Jenn has been there and continues to help all crew in their journeys.
Tune in to hear Jenn's inspiring journey and how she has created a brilliant community for yachties. In between shouting at owners, food fights, and the occasional cat fishing…