Richleigh Yachts was started by Richard and Leigh Ford in 1989 after having crewed aboard various charter yachts for 5 years in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean. At this time the Fords returned to South Africa to design a yacht specifically styled for the luxury end of the crewed charter market. During these 3 years in South Africa, Richard and Leigh developed the yacht chartering division of the company as well as finalizing the design and build on the first Richleigh 63 Monohull.

In 1992, with Richleigh No2 already underway the Fords sailed out of Cape Town and made passage to the Caribbean where they marketed the yachts for charter, making the Richleigh 63 one of the most successful charter yachts in the industry. Having completed 4 years in the Caribbean Richard and Leigh decided to base themselves in Ft. Lauderdale and establish a U.S. division of Richleigh Yachts. The first 2 years were spent in a consultant capacity establishing a crewed yacht brokerage division for a large U.S. based company. On building this division up to a lucrative operating concern the Fords handed the reins over to the parent company and decided to take on the challenge of establishing the Richleigh name in the U.S.A. and utilizing their expertise to the fullest.

Since then they have designed and built a 65 catamaran and have designs for a Richleigh 57, and a 55 foot catamaran. These new designs have taken the company onto a multifaceted level where the marketing and management of the yachts benefit from the years of experience held by the Fords.

Nancy Comparato joined the Richleigh Team, Nancy first started with Bob Saxon & Associates in 1990, where she worked for six years. She then joined Fraser Yachts. Nancy now brings a wealth of experience to the Richleigh Team

Collectively packing 33 years of sailing and chartering experience Richard, Leigh and Nancy offer a personal, informed and professional service to all their clients.

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