YCA Associate

Born and educated in England, Richard James Winder attended Monkton Combe College in Bath, Avon the West of England, then onward to Lancaster University in the North of England, to study Business and Hospitality Management.

Spending most of his childhood on the French Riviera, Richard acquired a strong respect and appreciation of the boating lifestyle.

During his late teens Richard attended sailing venues up and down the South Coast of England, his favorite being Cowe's week, on the Isle of Wight, arguably, the most prestigious sailing venue in the world.

In addition to boating Richard is a keen sportsman, well trained both in Rugby, Cricket, Hockey and Scuba Diving. He has represented School, Club and County levels for Rugby, and played cricket for the Cabris Cricket Club in the south of France. He also completed his PADI Scuba Instructor certificate in Borneo, and obtained a RYA Motor yacht license through Bluewater Yachting, located in Antibes.

Having graduated from University, at 21 years of age, Richard spent six months working in Belle Haven Yacht Club, Connecticut, USA, working in the hospitality/ marina department where he learned to adapt to vital elements of yachting life.

On his return to England, he enjoyed a short but successful role while with Searcy`s, a high profile hospitality company based at The Barbican, in London. At Searcy`s he managed corporate events such as Ascot week, where he entertained HRH Prince of Wales in the Whites Club.

 Richard is not averse to dealing with high profile clients from all corners of the globe, and of course, all walks of life.
Eager to experience more of the world, Richard went to Australia. There he worked in Sales in marketing for One World Leisure, based in Adelaide, South Australia.

About 2 years later Richard enrolled on a PADI scuba dive master course at Koh Tao Island, Thailand. Having completed his course he gained employment for a yacht faring company at CRN Marine Ancona, Italy, followed by completion of his PADI Open Water Diving Instructors course, in Borneo.

Upon certification as a PADI Instructor, Richard relocated to China, becoming a partner in YCA (HK) Ltd. Yacht Brokerage.