St Augustine Social Leading Men - Lance Burkin
Every November, St Augustine Social puts out an excerpt called Leading Men.
“In every community, there are men whose ambition, integrity, and dedication inspire those around them. These are the visionaries, the doers, and the mentors – the ones who lead with both strength and heart.”
From boardrooms to shop floors nonprofits to start-ups, these individuals share a common thread: a commitment to excellence that lifts everyone in their circle. They are proof that leadership isn’t just about titles or achievements – It’s about setting the example, raising the bar, and helping others rise to met it.
We are overjoyed to share the first person in the 2025 St Augustine Social Leading Men is our own, Lance Burkin.
Join Us In Congratulating - Lance!
Lance Burkin - Operation Manager
The sailing community in St Augustine has learned quickly that no matter the hour or the problem, one call to Lance Burkin at St Augustine Sailing is all it takes to find a solution. One client still recalls phoning him at 2 a.m. from a cruise in the Bahamas, desperate for help with a problem with his boat. Lance answered without hesitation, calmly talking him through the issue until everything was back in working order. His patience and steady reassurance left a lasting impression, and proved what many already know: Lance treats every client like family.
The instinct for problem-solving has been with him since he was a kid. At just four years old, Lance was already taking things apart and putting them back together, fascinated by how they worked and eager to create projects of his own. So when his mom, Rose Ann Points, who bought St. Augustine Sailing 8 years ago, asked him in 2021 to join the family business, it was a natural fit. He left his home in the Florida Keys to join his mom in the family sailing business and raise his beautiful family. Trained by his stepfather, Chuck, in managing operations, Lance stepped into the leadership role with east, bringing along his wife and two daughters to make St. Augustine their home.
Lance made an impression from the start. Riding an electric skateboard arond the docks, he quickly became known for his good attitude and approachable presence. But beneath the fun is a serious sense of dedication. Whether troubleshooting a tricky wind transducer, commissioning a new vessel, or even designing and 3D-printing stronger tools when the standard version feel short. Lance is always ready to dive in and find a better solution. His commitment often exceeds expectations. When a hurricane threatened the west coast of Florida, Lance and a few colleagues drove four hours in the middle of the night to help secure the boat of a client who lives out of state jut before the storm. He didn’t return until dawn – just in time to prepare his own home. A client shares, “Lance Burkin is, without a question, the best yacht mechanic I coul ever ask for, Sailing my Lagoon 40 across the Caribbean, Lance has been my lifeline.” Lance’s devotion and dedicaiton go beyond the docks. A proud father, he never misses his daughter’s ballet recitals, loves backyard barbecues, and still makes time to spend outdoors with his family of four. For Lance, boat may be the business, but hte people will always be his top priority.
For more information and to stay updated, visit www.sta-sail.com and follow them on social media @StAugustineSailing.
