ASPEN ALTERNATIVE Yacht Charter

Captain: Mike

Captain: Bryce Simpson
Nationality: USA
Captain Bryce Simpson hails from the beautiful state of Vermont, where his love for the outdoors and adventure first took root. After graduating college in 1992 with a degree in accounting, Bryce decided to pursue a life beyond the office. He moved south to Florida, where his uncle introduced him to the world of yachting — a moment that would shape the course of his entire career. What began as curiosity quickly became a lifelong passion, and Bryce has been working on superyachts ever since.
With more than three decades of experience on the water, Captain Bryce brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and calm leadership to every voyage. He holds a USCG 1600/3000 ITC ton Captain’s License and has spent his career cruising some of the most stunning destinations in the world. His travels span
The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the U.S. East Coast, and Mexico, giving him a deep understanding of diverse cruising grounds and a true appreciation for delivering exceptional guest experiences in every region. Beyond the helm, Bryce is an avid waterman and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys golf, skiing, and scuba diving, and is also a NAUI Dive Master. Captain Bryce looks forward to welcoming you on board and creating a seamless, memorable,
and luxurious charter experience tailored just for you. His steady presence, extensive experience, and sincere passion for hospitality ensure that every guest feels safe, relaxed, and perfectly cared for throughout their time on the water
Fun Fact: Bryce recently learnt how to wakeboard, this is one of the toughest skills he’s tackled

Tristyn Bruwer
Chief Officer
Tristyn grew up loving to bodyboard and explore the beautiful beaches of the Garden Route of South Africa. He has always enjoyed the outdoors, water exploration and traveling, and that sense of adventure drew him into the world of yachts. He is at his happiest when he is in the water, trying new restaurants and interacting with people from all walks of life.
In the seven years of his yachting career he has studied and worked his way to be Chief Officer. He has explored some of the most amazing parts of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean onboard yachts, and has done one Atlantic crossing. He cannot wait to cross more oceans in the near future.
Tristyn's love for sports and fitness keep him very active both on and off boats.

Renato Garma
Chief Engineer
Renato was born in Croatia and raised in Krapanj, the most densely inhabitedisland in the world. He attended a technical high school in Sibenik andgraduated from the Department of Marine Engineering as a Technician. He thenspent 5 years working on container ships before moving to the commercialindustry. In 2017, Renato brought his expertise to the yachting world, quicklyadapting to the demands of luxury yacht engineering. He manages all engines,electrical systems, and supporting mechanics with precision, ensuring smoothand safe operations onboard.Renato’s technical skills and dedication make him an invaluable asset to thecrew. Outside of work, Renato is an avid fisherman and car enthusiast whoenjoys cooking and spending time with friends. His passion for engineering andhis friendly nature

Bianca Hoar
Chief Stewardess
Bianca was born and raised in the vibrant city of Durban, situated on thepicturesque East Coast of South Africa. Her innate love for beauty and astrong creative flair naturally led her to pursue studies in makeup andspecial effects upon finishing school. An advocate of health and fitness,Bianca is not only a qualified yoga instructor but also an avid equestrianenthusiast.Passionate about the outdoors and an active lifestyle, Bianca spends mostof her free time with friends, on the beach, or riding her horses. Her deep-seated love for the ocean, wildlife and travel was nurtured during childhoodholidays, which has seamlessly transitioned her into the exhilarating anddynamic world of yachting.With a blend of artistic talent, dedication to fitness, and a zest foradventure, Bianca brings a unique and energetic presence to any crew,always eager to explore and embrace new challenges."

Luke Summersgill
Chef
Chef Luke is a dedicated and highly skilled culinary professional with a strong passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. With formal training on land and several successful years in the yachting industry, he brings a refined and versatile approach to cuisine, expertly blending classic techniques with global inspiration. His love for travel and exploration of diverse cultures deeply influences his culinary style, allowing him to craft innovative menus that reflect both creativity and authenticity.
Chef Luke thrives in dynamic environments, consistently going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations with beautifully presented, flavorful dishes tailored to individual preferences. His calm demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to any yacht program.
For Chef Luke, every meal is more than just a dish – it’s an experience, a story, and a journey for the senses.
Fun Fact: Luke recently spent 8 weeks in Ecuador with a local family.

Rudy Lumayag
Bosun
Rudy hails from one of the 7,107 beautiful islands of the Philippines named Cebu. He speaks English and Tagalog fluently and is also conversational in Spanish.
Excited to travel and see the world, Rudy started his career as a deckhand on M/Y White Rabbit and then onto M/Y Vanish that took him all over Europe and the Caribbean. Rudy joined Aspen Alternative in January of 2022 and this year also marks his impressive 8th year in the yachting industry.
Hardworking and always self-driven in everything that he does, Rudy is a great benefit to the team and brings in a wealth of knowledge and skill and is always in a great mood and smiling. His family is a source of inspiration and strength and he has recently welcomed a new baby boy named Rafiel.

Chantel Olivier
2nd Stewardess
Chantel was born in Nelspruit, South Africa, and spent her childhood summers in Mozambique, where she developed a deep love for the ocean and coastal life. Although she had always enjoyed exploring new places and cultures, yachting truly awakened her passion for travel. Over the past four years she has embraced the rhythm of life at sea, the movement, the discovery, and the chance to experience the world from a different perspective.
Active by nature, Chantel loves staying fit through gym sessions, Pilates, and outdoor adventures. A dedicated ocean lover, she enjoys diving and surfing, with shark diving being her absolute favorite, an experience she finds both grounding and exhilarating. Onboard, Chantel is known for her calm professionalism, positive attitude, and strong work ethic, along with a genuine desire to grow and contribute meaningfully to her team. Her adventurous spirit, warm nature, and steady professionalism make her a valued member of any crew.

Jean-Pierre
Deckhand
Jean-Pierre (JP) Stopforth hails from the picturesque Garden Route in George,South Africa. As the eldest of three siblings, JP developed a strong sense ofresponsibility and teamwork, qualities that he seamlessly incorporates into hisrole in the yachting industry.With a passion for adventure, JP’s sporting background is as diverse as it isimpressive. He is a dedicated rugby player, a former provincial bodyboarder,and an avid motorbike enthusiast. His love for water, exploration, andchallenges fuels his ambition to one day play golf on some of the world’s mosticonic courses.Known for his fun-loving personality and natural sociability, JP brings anenergetic and engaging presence to the team. His commitment to excellenceensures he delivers outstanding service while helping create memorableexperiences for all onboard.

Kayla Grobler
3rd Stewardess
Hailing from a small town near Cape Town, South Africa, Kayla was raised among breathtaking mountain landscapes that sparked her love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for nature. Kayla began her yachting career in 2023, inspired by her older sister’s footsteps. What started as a family connection soon grew into a genuine passion for the industry. Yachting has given her the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, while
forming meaningful connections and embracing new cultures along the way.
For Kayla, family and connection are at the heart of everything she does whether it’s her own family back home or the crew she considers her second family.
When she’s not onboard, Kayla enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, staying active, and exploring new destinations. She lives by the motto: “Life’s a journey—best enjoyed with kindness, curiosity, and a smile.”