Dominique Delafoy: Project Manager at IMM

Project management at IMM is built on technical decisions, not assumptions. 

With more than three decades of experience in yacht new builds and complex refit environments, Dominique Delafoy brings deep technical and operational expertise to IMM. His career spans shipyards across Italy, Turkey, Latvia, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France, and the United States, covering everything from high-end refits and new builds to shipyard development and operational setup. 

One of his most formative experiences was helping establish a shipyard in North Carolina, where his role went far beyond project management. He was directly involved in recruiting teams, structuring operations, and training technicians in advanced composite processes. 

“I’ve always been involved in more than just project management. Building teams and shipyard capability is just as critical as managing the project itself.” 

Joining IMM and working across the Caribbean

Dominique joined IMM in November 2024 and is now based between Puerto Rico and Sint Maarten, supporting multiple active refit and maintenance projects across the region.

His role combines senior project management with hands-on technical oversight and team leadership across sites, ensuring continuity and alignment between operations.

“IMM felt like a natural fit. The structure is very hands-on, and decisions are made close to the operation, where they should be.”

A role driven by technical decisions and coordination

At IMM, project management is not limited to scheduling and coordination. Dominique’s daily work involves technical troubleshooting, repair strategy development, subcontractor management, and direct communication with yacht owners, captains, and onboard teams.

He also supports and guides other project managers while managing his own portfolio of complex projects.

“Every day is different. You’re constantly switching between technical analysis, planning, and real-time problem solving.”

A recent example highlights the intensity of this work: ahead of the St. Barths Bucket, Dominique was involved in the fast-track preparation of a 65-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht. The scope included fabrication of custom stainless steel rigging components, high-load pulley repairs using hydraulic press processes, and multiple critical rigging parts, all delivered within five days under strict race deadlines.

The reality of refits in the Caribbean

Working in island environments adds a layer of operational complexity that differs significantly from traditional shipyards. Logistics, shipping delays, and customs processes require precise planning and constant adaptability.

At the same time, modern yachts integrate highly complex systems where mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and digital components are deeply interconnected.

“The biggest challenge is not just fixing the problem, it’s diagnosing it correctly when everything is interconnected and time is limited.”

Electrical and hydraulic systems remain among the most common technical challenges encountered on arriving yachts, particularly in high-usage or long-voyage vessels.

To manage uncertainty in supply chains, Dominique builds buffers into planning from the outset.

“I always work with a conservative delivery timeline. Everyone onboard understands the realities of sourcing parts in the islands, delays in shipping or customs clearance are part of the equation.”

What makes IMM different

Unlike traditional shipyards, IMM operates as a project management-led organisation with integrated operational capabilities across multiple Caribbean locations.

This structure enables mobility, flexibility, and direct control over execution, allowing decisions to be made close to the work rather than through layered processes.

“IMM is built around project management first. That changes everything, especially how quickly decisions can be made and executed.”

Technical judgement comes from real experience

For Dominique, technical competence in yachting is not theoretical — it is built through exposure to real systems under real operational load.

He strongly believes that time onboard is essential for understanding how yachts truly function.

“You only really understand yacht systems when you see them working at sea, not in a dock.”

Advice for the next generation

For those entering the marine industry, his advice is direct: prioritize experience onboard.

“Spend time at sea. That experience will shape how you understand every decision you make later in your career.”