Rob Leighton began designing yachts as a 10 year old boy, inspired by Nathaniel Herrshoff, Donald Mckay, WIlliam Garden, and Robert Perry. These designers and builders are the inspiration of many of the great yachts of today. From that foundation, Leighton Yacht Design has evolved over the years to adapt and innovate modern technology with advanced materials to create the very best yacht possible. Every yacht is and built with the greatest of care and attention to detail that only we can provide.
Rob Leighton is also an avid sailor and US coast Guard Licensed 100 ton Master Captain. Rob has sailed half of the world in his 46' ketch Windrush II. You can follow his blog at the below link.
http://windrush2.blogspot.com/2018/03/papaya-cove-haul-out.html
Robert Leighton, founder and CEO of Leighton Yachts have been in the yachting and marine business since the young age of 14. Through the years, Robert has not only designed and built yachts, but also has had a diverse career in the mechanical engineering and aerospace industries.
Since 2006, Robert Founded Leighton Engineering and Design working with various Major corporations in the US including The Boeing Airplane Company, Superior Tape & Label, Nestle Foods, and others, accumulating more than 25 Patents.
During Robert’s time with the Boeing Airplane Company He became a subject matter expert (SME) for directional carbon fiber laminate manufacturing of Airplane structures, working on various projects including the Wing Structures group designing the outer wing box of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Engine/Fuel systems of the new Boeing KC-46 Air Force Tanker.
In 2015, Robert resigned from a successful career as a composite design engineer for the Boeing Airplane Company and went back to his lifelong passion of designing, building and sailing yachts and founded Leighton Yacht Design Inc.
Since founding the company, Leighton Yachts grew internationally from a base in Athens Al, and a new manufacturing facility in Mindoro, Philippines.
