Lance Burkin – Head Operations Manager
Early Adventures on the Water
Lance Burkin’s journey in the marine industry began long before his professional career. At just 9 years old, he moved aboard a sailboat with his mother and siblings, setting the course for a lifetime of exploration and hands-on learning. Sailing throughout the Caribbean with his brother Derk, Lance developed a strong foundation in seamanship, creativity, and resourcefulness—skills that would later shape his future in marine operations.
Lance was Born with Curiosity and Talent
From a young age, Lance had an insatiable curiosity. At age 4, he was already dismantling and reassembling objects to understand how they worked. By 7, he famously took apart his sister Toste’s television, then reassembled it perfectly without missing a single piece. Though his sister may not have appreciated the experiment at the time, it was a clear sign of Lance’s natural mechanical ability and determination.
During their liveaboard years, Lance’s inventive thinking often came to the rescue. Whether troubleshooting systems or crafting on-the-fly solutions in remote anchorages, his hands-on problem-solving became a vital part of the family’s sailing success.
Professional Experience in HVAC
Lance eventually turned his skills into a career, spending nearly two decades in the HVAC industry in the Florida Keys. There, he specialized in diagnostics, system installations, and environmental controls for both residential and commercial clients. His ability to understand and manage complex systems made him a trusted expert in the field.
Returning to Lance’s Maritime Roots
Despite his success in HVAC, the sea continued to call. Lance returned to the marine world, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise. Today, he serves as the Head Operations Manager for both St. Augustine Sailing and All Points Yacht Sales, where he leads all aspects of vessel maintenance, repair, and readiness.
Lance manages a wide range of responsibilities—overseeing routine cleanings, troubleshooting mechanical issues, coordinating with service providers, and ensuring that every yacht is safe, functional, and visually flawless. His leadership ensures our fleet operates at the highest standard for charters, events, and sales.
A Leader with an Inventor’s Mindset
What sets Lance apart is not just his experience, but his inventive spirit. He’s always designing creative solutions, custom tools, or clever modifications to make things work better. Team members and guests alike are often amazed by the functional innovations he develops on the fly. His ability to think outside the box enhances efficiency, safety, and comfort aboard every vessel.
An Essential Member of the Team
Lance’s story has come full circle—from adventurous child sailor to the man responsible for keeping a luxury fleet shipshape. His passion, problem-solving, and dedication reflect the spirit of excellence that drives St. Augustine Sailing. With a lifetime of maritime experience and a mindset focused on innovation, Lance is not just managing operations—he’s helping shape the future of our sailing community.
