The BVIs are known for being a chartering playground, and there’s about to be another kid on the block. MarineMax Inc., the nation’s largest recreational boat retailer, recently announced the opening of MarineMax Vacations, a BVI-based charter company that will operate out of Tortola beginning December 15.
MarineMax Vacations is partnering with Dufour Yachts and will launch 15 brand new Dufours from its base: five 405s and eight 425s. Attempting to appeal to a higher-end charter guest, every boat will come equipped with a generator, AC and a water-maker.
“We decided to stock our fleet with Dufours to be different from the other charter companies,” explains MarineMax Vice President Raul Bermudez. “Dufours are sturdy sailing platforms with good performance and lots of comfort.” They’re also slightly more expensive than some other charter operations, but as Bermudez puts it, “You’re getting 25 percent more product for only 8 percent more of the price.”
In addition to offering the boats for bareboat charter, MarineMax Vacations will have a yacht ownership program, complete with financing options and guaranteed payment to the owners.
With 57 locations in the U.S., MarineMax Inc. has been working in the recreational market for 40 years, but MarineMax Vacations represents the company’s first sail-focused endeavor. Bermudez says, “With one million people in MarineMax’s database, we’re hoping to capitalize on a tradition of excellence as we expand into the sailing market.”
For more on MarineMax Vacations, visit marinemaxvacations.com.
