Captain Name: Graham Gips
Captain Nationality: American
Number of Crew: 2
Graham & Kristiann Gips
Captain & Chef
Graham is an engineer by training who spent a successful 10-year career in the oil and gas industry. He learned to sail on a 20ft racing dinghy with Kristiann as crew. They raced weekly for several years, topped the local podium and earned the chance to compete internationally.
If you are new to sailing, Graham would love to teach you how much fun it can be to helm and tune the sails. He knows the islands well and can craft an itinerary that suits everyone aboard. When the anchor is set each evening, Graham turns his attention to crafting cocktails to your taste.
From 2011-2015, Kristiann ran a successful catering company. She honed her culinary skills by accommodating a wide variety of preferences and dietary needs each day. She loves to combine gourmet ingredients with local delicacies for new twists on classic dishes.
Avid travelers, Kristiann and Graham have lived on four continents and visited over 40 countries. Their experiences have taught them that great vacations are made up of many small details. Kristiann delights in tailoring the menu and creating special moments for each group of guests aboard.
In 2015, Graham and Kristiann reached a point where they could focus on what they love to do most: travel, host guests, and sail. They have sailed Allende since her launch in France, cruising the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea and crossing the Atlantic to meet you in the British Virgin Islands. Both Graham and Kristiann hold a Masters 50-ton license from the United States Coast Guard and are CPR/First Aid certified.
Graham and Kristiann welcome you to share in the luxurious life aboard Allende.
Friday Gips
Friday is a seven-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer with his sea legs. He’s well-mannered and loves the water. He leaps off the front of the boat when at anchor and seduces other cruisers paddleboarding by to take him for rides. Friday can climb the swim ladder on his own. For guests who are pet-lovers, he is a much-loved addition to their charter. With advance notice, the crew is also happy to confirm Friday’s home ashore.