MarineMax Inc., North America's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, is proud to announce the introduction of MarineMax Vacations, a charter program offering premium sail and power yacht vacations. As part of the program, the Company will also be offering a yacht ownership program for the charter fleet.

The new venture begins with vessels from luxury sailboat builder Dufour Yachts. MarineMax is currently developing custom power boats for future vacation charters. The first charters are scheduled to begin December 2011 in the British Virgin Islands.

“Since our formation in 1998, MarineMax has been the leading boating resource, providing the industry’s best brands coupled with unsurpassed customer service, education and lifestyle events. MarineMax Vacations adds another exciting dimension to the opportunities we offer boaters worldwide,” said William H. McGill Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are fortunate to have Raul Bermudez, Vice President, MarineMax Vacations, who brings over 10 years of charter industry experience to lead our efforts, helping to ensure that our vacation charters are a premium, hassle-free experience.”

MarineMax Vacation’s expert team members will offer personalized attention with helping customers arrange their charter, along with travel accommodations, boat and charter briefings, provisioning, activities and tours. “With its vast experience in the boating business, MarineMax certainly knows boats and boating,” said Bermudez. “And with our extensive boating knowledge and experience, customers can expect many extra services and our attention to every possible detail.  It’s our mission to provide the world’s best charter vacation to experienced charter customers and to introduce more people to chartering with MarineMax Vacations.”

MarineMax Vacations will operate out of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, one of the most popular charter destinations in the world, which was chosen for its remarkable beauty and favorable boating environment. Additional locations will be added over time.

In keeping with its premium, hassle-free positioning, MarineMax chose to partner with Dufour Yachts because of the brand’s reputation for building premium sailboats with exceptional comfort and ease of use. The MarineMax charter vessels have more than $50,000 worth of modifications and amenities to ensure the most user-friendly selection of charter boats available. “We are excited for the opportunity to strongly support MarineMax on this program,” said Salvatore Serio, President of Dufour Yachts. “MarineMax Vacations will allow many new boaters to become familiar with our brand and experience the ultimate sailing pleasure that we provide.”

Those wishing to learn more about MarineMax Vacations, or to plan and price their charter vacation, should call (813) 644-8071 or visit www.marinemaxvacations.com.