Meet The Crew
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team delivers unparalleled passion and expertise to every charter aboard the historic Vida Mia.
A vibrant blend of seasoned captains, skilled shipwrights and dedicated craftsman, we share a deep appreciation for maritime history, meticulous craftsmanship and delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests.
Our captains excel in navigation and safety with decades of experience cruising in challenging conditions all over the world. They have delivered vessels all over the globe and even contributed to notable film productions such as HBO's The White Lotus.
Together, this dynamic team blends exceptional craftsmanship, adventure and a genuine love for the Hawaiian islands.
Simply put, sharing these waters with our guests is our "dream life" too.
Bradford Botes
Managing Captain
Captain Bradford Botes is the cornerstone of Vida Mia's operations embodying the heart and soul of the yacht. And he doesn't miss a beat.
With meticulous attention to detail, he ensures a seamless and exceptional experience for every guest from bow to stern. His expertise, business acumen and passion for the sea are invaluable to the team. Beginning his journey as a part-time deckhand, Bradford swiftly rose to the role of Captain, demonstrating remarkable leadership and dedication. Equally adept on the water and in the shipyard, he brings a unique blend of Southern Hospitality and an Aloha Spirit to all that he does.
Originally from Alabama, Bradford embraced the art of woodworking during Vida Mia's recent refit, apprenticing under master craftsman with enthusiasm and skill. Never without a smile, he is deeply committed to the yacht and takes pride in sharing Vida Mia's rich history with guests, ensuring they also leave with a smile and a treasured memory from their time on the water.
Bradford transitioned to Hawaii after a career in finance and spends his free time surfing and exploring Hawaii's beautiful hiking trails.
Lyle Carlson
Master Shaper and Woodworker
We were thrilled to welcome Lyle to the team in the summer of 2025. Renowned as a master surfboard shaper, Lyle brings extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic precision to this cherished project. With decades of experience alongside master shaper Dick Brewer in Hawaii, Lyles expertise in sculpting functional beauty from raw materials translates seamlessly to the delicate art of restoring Vida Mia's timeless elegance.
Lyle holds a degree of Molecular Biology from the University of San Francisco. Before transitioning to surfboard shaping, he worked as a surgical technician at the California Pacific Medical Center and as a physical therapy assistant at UC Berkeley. These roles deepened his empathy and connection to others in need, ultimately leading him to a career in shaping.
His journey took a pivotal turn through a series of handwritten letters he wrote weekly to his hero, legendary shaper Dick Brewer. The stars aligned when Dick finally responded, inviting Lyle to help shape boards for a special group of young patients at a hospital in Florida. This opportunity marked the beginning of Lyle's mentorship under Dick, launching him into the world of master-level surfboard design and shaping.
He has sailed all over the world, surfs in his free time and is the father to a beautiful daughter named Rose. Lyle is a force of nature on the team, bringing a level of professionalism and work ethic rarely seen by people in this industry.
He bring an innovative approach to the team and he is a vital component of preserving Vida Mia for future generations
Philip Botes
First Mate
Philip Botes is a dedicated, exceptionally talented member of the Vida Mia crew. His passion for people, adventure and and the sea shines in everything he does for the company. Philip goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcomed and inspired.
Philip grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and earned his Bachelors degree in Business with a specialty in Management from the University of Alabama. This laid a strong foundation in leadership and interpersonal skills that he brings daily to the decks of the Vida Mia.
After college, Philip explored a path in the legal field, but it didn't ignite his spark. He discovered his true calling in sales where he thrived for 6 years - first selling luxury outdoor items like swimming pools and high end landscape design items, later moving onto custom builds. He later moved onto consulting for clients for custom landscape design and architecture, where he was able to connect deeply with clients.
A quarterlife crisis prompted Philip to seek a new adventure. Drawing on his lifelong background driving boats and jet skis on the Tennessee River as a young teen, he earned his state vessel license at 15, mastering navigation around dams, lockes, barges and cargo traffic on one of America's busiest waterways. He is now pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master Captain's License, which reflects his expertise and commitment to a lifelong learning in the maritime industry.
In a bold leap of faith, Philip visited Hawaii to see his brother and serendipitously connected with a crew preparing for a South Pacific crossing. Eager for the challenge and never prone to seasickness, he joined as an extra hand. They provisioned a 43 Irwin sailing yacht (a classic single mast ketch) and embarked on an epic 3500 mile, 31 day journey from Oahu to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, a place Philip describes as one of the most beautiful places he has ever seen.
The voyage tested the crew: a torn sail with no boatyard available, engine troubles, and the final five days motoring into a challenging approach—sailing in without power, waiting out weather pirate-style outside the lagoon, and some intense tacking to find shelter behind the island's lone mountain. Through resourcefulness, teamwork, and radio coordination with locals who came to their aid, they made it safely to shore, then onward to Rarotonga, Fiji, and Tonga. Philip formed instant, lasting bonds with his shipmates—connections he treasures to this day. Returning to Hawaii after the crossing, Philip joined the Vida Mia just three days later, drawn to this historic wooden yacht's old-school charm.
Off the water, Philip likes to explore Oahu's hiking trails. His favorite spot is Lanikai Pillbox and Kokohead Crater when he's craving a challenge. He also enjoys surfing and tennis
Philip is the heart of our crew: super smart, endlessly dedicated, and always ready to make magic happen for the team and our guests.
Luna
Chief Furry Officer
We all know who the real boss is.
Brynn Rovito
Owner and Founder
Brynn Rovito is the passionate steward and owner of Vida Mia.
Born on Chicago’s South Side and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Brynn graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. She built a distinguished career in Washington, D.C., serving as Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms. Like many of her predecessors, a new chapter began when she fell in love with a boat. She took a leap of faith, left Capitol Hill, returned to Hawaii, and invested her retirement savings into a bold new passion: restoring classic wooden yachts.
As a novice entering the field, Brynn faced the challenges of finding skilled tradespeople firsthand. She traveled the country to seek out talent and spent months scouring the islands to find the right materials and the right team for this extraordinarily demanding job. Now, with a decade of maritime experience under her belt, Brynn carries forward the legacy of her predecessors while infusing the business with her own creative spark, ensuring Vida Mia endures for future generations to cherish.
And she fully recognizes that - even now - she is still a rookie.
The moment Brynn first saw Vida Mia, her elegant lines and storied past sparked an instant connection. What began as a labor of love became a complete transformation. With a natural eye for design and a gift for hospitality, she reopened the yacht to the public for the first time since the late 1970s, turning her into a warm, inviting space that radiates character and timeless charm.
Today, Brynn increasingly steps behind the scenes, empowering her talented crew to shine as the heart of Vida Mia’s story. As an emerging film producer, she is also channeling her creativity into Hot Pink Apocalypse, a film slated for release in Fall 2027, featuring her favorite Hollywood starlet, M/V Vida Mia.
Brynn remains deeply committed to fostering connection for everyone that admires her beauty. She can usually be found enjoying a few laughs with her cherished guests over a cup of coffee on the aft deck.
Through this vision, she is ensuring that Vida Mia remains a vibrant and lasting legacy for the future generation.
Restoring the Trades
A critical part of Vida Mia's mission is our ongoing apprenticeship program.
Learn more about our last project and our partnership with the Maritime Preservation Trust.