On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, Suntex Marina Investors LLC announced that it has entered into a merger with Windward Marina Group through a joint venture with Centerbridge Partners, L.P., adding 13 locations in Florida to its network.
Suntex’s portfolio now exceeds 100 marinas across the United States, with 34 located in Florida. The Windward sites add more than 3,000 slips and are spread across Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Port Orange, Micco, Fort Pierce, Port Charlotte, Englewood, Panacea and Pensacola, along the Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast and the Panhandle.
The locations support activities such as fishing, cruising and sailing, and are part of coastal communities across the state.
Windward was founded by Stefan Johansson in partnership with Robert Finvarb, Nalpak Ventures LLC and Thomas D. Wood, Jr., a group with experience in marina operations, hospitality and real estate investment.
Over the past seven years, the company has grown from a single marina into a network and focuses on the maintenance and improvement of waterfront infrastructure such as docks, seawalls and dredging, as well as the long-term management of marina assets in partnership with local operators.
As part of the merger, existing local teams will continue in their roles, and shared operating approaches and updated guest services will be introduced across the combined portfolio.
Stefan Johansson, founder and CEO of Windward Marina Group, stated: “Suntex brings operational depth, brand stewardship and a long-term mindset that aligns perfectly with how we view the future of our marinas. This merger allows us to preserve what makes each Windward marina special while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and guest experiences that will benefit our boaters.”
Bryan Redmond, CEO and co-founder of Suntex, said: “Today’s announcement is a meaningful step forward in how we grow – intentionally, collaboratively and with the boater experience guiding every decision. Windward has assembled an exceptional portfolio of marinas across Florida’s most compelling boating destinations. Together, we are creating a highly connected coastal network with Suntex marinas positioned near major inlets from Miami to Amelia Island.”
The announcement also highlighted Florida’s position as a leading state for new resident growth and boating participation in the US.
Matt Dabrowski, senior managing director and co-head of real estate at Centerbridge Partners, L.P., commented: “This transaction marks another important milestone in executing Suntex’s strategy of expanding in high-growth, coastal markets, particularly in Florida, where demand fundamentals remain favourable and barriers to new supply remain incredibly high.”
Images from Suntex Marinas.
