Meet our Instructor Team

Mark Burkitt

Principal Instructor

Mark and his family have been ulley Members since 2001. In this time Mark has served on Committee and completed 9 years as Commodore over three periods. Mark is now our Principal Instructor with overall responsibility for training at Ulley and ensuring we meet the RYA’s Recommended Training Centre requirements. Mark also leads the way on health and safety. Mark enjoys sailing his Enterprise at Ulley (when he can) and his “big boat” at Ullswater.

What they offer
  • RYA Start and Better Sailing Courses
  • Clubs Health and Safety
  • Improver Courses

Dave Staniforth

Chief Dinghy Instructor

Dave has been a member of Ulley Sailing Club since 1988. In this time Dave has served on Committee, been our Commodore and was responsible for Ulley’s Sailability Accreditation. Dave has also been heavily involved with the Enterprise Dinghy Association for many years as well as youth sailing with the YHSSA.

What they offer
  • RYA Start and Better Sailing Courses
  • Improver Courses

George Panter

Dinghy Instructor and Chief Powerboat Instructor

George has been a member of Ulley Sailing Club since 2014 and had joined Committee in 2018 serving till 2023 but rejoined in 2025. George is currently our Chief Powerboat Instructor with responsibility for powerboat training. George is also the clubs only qualified Race Coach and assists with the youth section, on a more race focused scheme.

On the side he attends multiple events as support throughout the year under his own brand GP Marine Yorkshire. He’s also working towards his RYA Yacht Master.

What he offers
  • RYA Start and Better Sailing Courses
  • Club Youth Squad Sessions
  • RYA Recognised Race Coach
  • RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2 Courses
  • RYA Safety Boat Course
  • RYA Mark Layer

Jennifer Yates

Dinghy Instructor and Safe Guarding Officer

Jenny is a fully qualified dinghy instructor and is now running the clubs Youth Squad with George offering support. Jenny is a valuable member of this team. Jenny also has her RYA Day Skipper and enjoys sailing holidays abroad.

What she offers
  • Club Youth Squad Sessions
  • RYA Start and Better Sailing Courses
  • Safe Guarding Officer

Follow Us

Want to be part of our Training Team? Volunteer helpers are always welcome, particularly with Youth Squad. Want to go further? Become a RYA qualified instructor, funding is available but obviously we’d need commitment to the running of our courses in return. See a member of our training team for details.