COLIBRI

Your Captain and Chef are native Texans who have been married since 2007. Kristiann and Graham lived on four continents and visited fifty countries before choosing the British Virgin Islands in 2016. Their travels have taught them that great vacations are made of many small details, so they aim to provide the thoughtful touches and personal connections that will make your charter unforgettable.

After spending 10 years in the corporate world, Graham and Kristiann decided to indulge their shared passions and start a business together. They purchased a 44’ catamaran, Allende, upon which they sailed over 30,000 nautical miles and hosted 130 charters. In 2022, Graham and Kristiann were thrilled to upgrade their charter program by joining the luxurious 67' Colibrí.

Dive instructor and stewardess Matilda Money-Kyrle returns for a third season. Matilda is an encouraging and enthusiastic individual who easily inspires guests to try new activities. Her years of working in the service industry and her experience on superyachts make her a valuable part of the team.

Consummate hosts, Graham, Kristiann and Matilda find great pleasure in working together and creating lasting memories for their guests.

Captain Graham Gips

Graham is a petroleum engineer by training who spent a successful career in the oil and gas industry. While working abroad, 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.

While he has a competitive streak, Graham is a detail-oriented and safety-conscious sailor who puts the comfort of his guests first. He knows the islands incredibly well, both above and below the water, and excels at crafting an itinerary to suit everyone aboard.

Chef Kristiann Gips

Food is Kristiann's love language. Before joining the yachting industry, Kristiann ran a successful catering company offering ready-to-heat meals and celebration treats. In 2021, she refined her skills by training at the acclaimed Ashburton Cookery School in England. Her relationships with local farmers and island purveyors ensure your plates are created with the best ingredients available.

Kristiann loves to combine gourmet delicacies with local flavors for new twists on classic dishes. In addition to accommodating your group's diverse preferences and dietary requirements, she works with the Captain to plan a menu that perfectly complements the activities on each day's sailing itinerary. When she’s not in the galley, Kristiann loves escorting guests on snorkel safaris.

Stewardess | Dive Instructor Matilda Money-Kyrle

While earning her degree in Geography at Exeter, Matilda worked as a watersports instructor taking guests paddle-boarding, kayaking and cliff jumping. Unwilling to give up a life on the water, Matilda then worked a Mediterranean season onboard a 50m yacht. She achieved her PADI Instructor qualification in Thailand and loves sharing her knowledge of diving and marine life. Matilda's skill as a teacher will inspire confidence as you try new activities aboard!