By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - A group of local promoters is looking to build strategic partnerships with yachting and marina centers in the Bahamas.

Its plan is called Flahama, a nod to the long-term Florida and Bahamas ties they hope to create on the Treasure Coast.

"This is my version of Margaritaville," said Gary Guertin, general manager of Harborage Yacht Club and Marina in Stuart. "We've created a fun concept that's not only going to reinvigorate the boating industry, but create business for our friends in the Bahamas as well."

Promoters plan to unveil the cross marketing venture at the Stuart Boat Show, scheduled for Jan. 9-11.

The idea is to team with marinas along the west coast of Florida, the Cross Florida Canal and the Treasure Coast, as well as their counterparts in northern and central Bahamas.

Participants plan to offer discounts and promote each other's centers to boaters across the region.

The plan has attracted several participants in both countries, including properties on at least four of the islands of the Bahamas, said spokeswoman Misti Guertin.

Onboard to date are the Roland and Mary Ann Martins Resort and Marina in Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee; Old Bahama Bay on West End on Grand Bahama island; Bimini Bay Resort and Marina in north Bimini island; Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina on Green Turtle Cay in Abaco; and the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Talks are underway with properties on the Bahamian islands of Eleuthera and Exuma, she added.

The idea of partnering with the Bahamas has becoming increasingly popular on the Treasure Coast.

Port St. Lucie officials have undertaken tourism programs with that country this year, as have several Martin County groups, including the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The Jensen Beach Chamber was one of the first to try strategy, and his kept the alliance for decades, said director Ron Rose.

The idea is also not new to Mr. Guertin, who partnered with Bahamian counterparts for years in his role as manager of Pirates Cove Resort and Marina in Stuart.

Since the mid-1990s, he has worked with Bahamian tourism officials and marina operators to offer special rates and incentives to boaters between Florida and the islands.

In recent months, Mr. Guertin has been working on rebuilding these relationships.

"It's really about a collaborative effort that benefits everyone," he said.

Promoters from the two countries plan to share a booth at the upcoming Stuart boat show and start getting the word out about their venture.

Harborage Yacht Club and Marina has planned four promotional boating trips to the islands of the Bahamas in 2009, but a spokesperson said the group might do as many as six.

Trips are set to range from three days to two weeks, with partner properties in the Bahamas offering discounts to participants.

The idea has gained some attention in the trade press, with Coastal Angler Magazine covering Flahama in its December issue.

"I think the potential is limitless," Mr. Guertin said.