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.
The past 10 years in the US has been dedicated to managing a fleet of fine motor yachts in the charter market and ensuring the most professional customer service to their charter clients. During this time they have designed and built a 65 catamaran and have initiated Africat Marine USA, which markets and sells a 42 foot power catamaran built and produced in South Africa. Production of which has doubled in the past 3 years.
Richard in his brokerage capacity has sold numerous yachts and motor yachts over the past years, ranging in size and price from 60 ft to 280ft fetching between $400,000 to $53 million dollars.
When it became apparent that the 2007 Cricket World Cup was being planned to take place in the West Indies, Richard approached Celebrity Cruises with the intention of chartering a large, luxury oriented ship to accommodate the fans. Being as the itinerary that was posted had games being played on different islands, many of them only a day apart, it became clear that a cruise was the very best and least stressful way for any cricket lover to take in the games. With Richard’s past history and understanding of the charter market and the general layout of the actual islands he committed to a 25 day charter with Celebrity. Broken into tour tours this trip will undoubtedly be the only way to get to the games on time, without having to wait for inter island air transport, unpacking travel bags each day. The many amenities the ship has to offer gives the guest aboard so much to do and enjoy while traveling between islands while still enjoying this world class event.
Nancy Comparato is an intergral part of Richleigh Yachts. Nancy uses her extensive experience in the industry to manage the yachts that Richleigh clears. Nancy has worked in the yachting industry in various capacities for over 15 years and brings her professional and confident style to Richleigh Yachts on a number of levels.
Collectively packing close to 75 years of sailing and chartering experience Richard and Leigh offer a personal, informed and professional service to all their clients. They pride themselves in offering the best all round service in every facet of their business. Their reputation is unparalleled and is certainly a glowing testament to their dedication.
