Redefining Excellence: The New Age of Caribbean Yacht Refit
- Yachting International Radio
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
At the Monaco Yacht Show, Norina Edelman, CEO of International Marine Management ( IMM ), sat down with Yachting USA host Rick Thomas to discuss a revolution underway in the global refit market — the rise of Caribbean Yacht Refit.
Her vision challenges the long-held belief that European yards are the only standard for large-vessel maintenance. By building advanced facilities across the Caribbean, IMM is offering owners and captains a new choice — world-class quality, closer to home.
“We’re marrying European standards with the accessibility of the Atlantic side,” says Edelman. “Owners deserve flexibility, choice, and the same quality of service they expect in La Ciotat or Barcelona — without having to cross the ocean to get it.”
From Concept to Global Competitor
For years, yachts seeking complex refits have had to cross the Atlantic to Europe. IMM is rewriting that story, creating a Caribbean Yacht Refit network spanning Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.
The company’s newest site in Puerto Rico includes a 200-meter graving dock and a floating dock, engineered to handle the largest vessels afloat. Designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, the facility represents a level of resilience and sophistication previously unseen in the region.
“The industry deserves options,” Edelman explains. “Every project shouldn’t mean a trans-Atlantic crossing. Our goal is to deliver the same craftsmanship and capability right here in the Caribbean.”
Strategic Position, Global Vision
With Puerto Rico’s combination of U.S. law, Caribbean location, and world-class engineering, IMM has positioned itself at a global crossroads. The company’s facilities allow captains to refit where they cruise — cutting transit costs, reducing downtime, and maintaining European-grade results.
“We’re building for the long term,” Edelman says. “Our aim is to make Caribbean Yacht Refit not just an alternative, but the preferred option.”
Engineering Without Compromise
At the heart of IMM’s success lies partnership. Edelman works alongside Fabrice Maitre, a refit specialist with over 30 years of experience, whose background includes transforming Composite Works La Ciotat and overseeing major refits on legendary yachts such as Octopus and Tattoo.
Together, they have created a culture of precision, accountability, and innovation — combining the disciplined methodology of European shipyards with the accessibility of the Caribbean. Each IMM location operates under unified technical standards, ensuring consistent quality across the entire network.
“We’ve built a system that delivers European excellence anywhere in the Atlantic,” notes Edelman. “That’s the foundation of trust in our industry.”
A Regional Investment with Global Impact
Edelman’s presence in Monaco underscored a broader message: the yachting world needs to think beyond geography. As vessels explore farther than ever before, refit capacity must expand accordingly.
“Refit is the backbone of our industry,” she reminds. “If we want sustainable growth, we must invest in infrastructure that brings opportunity closer to where yachts operate. The Caribbean is ready — and we’re proving it.”
A Future Anchored in Innovation
IMM’s investment in people, facilities, and forward-thinking partnerships signals a defining shift for the region. What was once a seasonal pit stop is now a permanent powerhouse for the world’s most demanding refit projects.
Through vision, determination, and the leadership of Norina Edelman and Fabrice Maitre, Caribbean Yacht Refit is no longer an emerging idea — it’s a movement.
“The Caribbean can compete on a world stage,” Edelman concludes. “This isn’t just about geography — it’s about excellence.”
About IMM
International Marine Management ( IMM ) provides full-service yacht refit and repair across Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico, combining European precision with Caribbean convenience.
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