MarineMax Vacations' Hurricane preparations began in early August, well before the start of Hurricane season, and as the charter season was slowing down. Then, as Hurricane Irma was forecast to become a major threat to the Islands, the British Virgins Islands (BVI) Team was able to make final preparations at the base in anticipation of a direct hit. We are extremely proud of the preparatory work that was executed and we feel those efforts contributed significantly to our fleet faring well during the Category 5 Hurricane. While we did sustain losses, the majority of our fleet will be operational as we enter the Winter season and 2018.

As the storm moved away from the islands, communication was severely hampered. We were finally able to make contact with our Director of Operations regarding the safety of all team members. This process took 4 days before we learned that all were safe, but many had lost their homes and all possessions.

Their dedication to MarineMax fleet is extraordinary as they quickly returned to work when safe to do so and began fleet assessments. Early assessments are very encouraging and our plan is to be operating by December.

U.S. Team members assembled care packages for their fellow team members in the British Virgin Islands. These care packages included clothing, toiletry and hygiene items, and food. Getting relief to the islands continues to be an ongoing challenge. These relief kits, along with four generators, are currently awaiting delivery to the team.

In the first days following the storm, we learned we had a large number of boats with little damage, therefore were able to fulfill the immediate need for temporary housing for team members with self-sufficient accommodations aboard. In the weeks that have followed, a MarineMax 484 remains at the Hodges Creek base being a source of water and electricity for team members.

Serving the community, a MarineMax 484 became the base for a medical supply team that delivered professional services and supplies to local clinics.

In aid to our valued BVI partners, MarineMax power cats are in use at many local destinations for temporary housing of recovery teams including Nanny Cay, Scrub Island and the Bitter End Yacht Club.

In response to many guest inquiries about how they could make donations to help our BVI staff, a donation account was put in place to meet our client's request and provided via email to those guests. The generosity of our customers has been amazing. Through donations, the BVI team members have all received additional grocery needs and other benefits.

The MarineMax Vacations BVI team is busy preparing the fleet and restoring base operations to resume charter deliveries the last week in November. Additionally, progress throughout the islands is strong through the resiliency, hard work and determination of the island residents and business owners with the goal of being operational for the Winter season and to welcome tourists back to each of the islands.

Thank you for your continued support,
The MarineMax Vacations Team