Meet The Spirit
The Spirit of Lake Murray is an 80-foot Skipperliner yacht that offers an amazing experience for everyone who comes aboard.
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Originally hailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, The Spirit arrived on Lake Murray in 2009, where she began nearly ten years of service as a charter boat and floating venue and saw nearly 11,000 guests annually.
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In 2019, The Spirit stopped sailing and became a beer garden and music fixture at Hollow Creek Marina in Leesville.
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In 2022, Lake Murray Tour Partners, operated by Norm Agnew and Rick Crout, purchased The Spirit and moved her to her new home in Ballentine near Shealy's Landing.
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The Spirit is undergoing a full interior and exterior makeover, including a complete rebuild of the bar, heads (bathrooms), and even the addition of a full-service galley (kitchen).
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With a June 2023 projected completion date, The Spirit of Lake Murray will once again be sailing on Lake Murray, providing a lifetime of memories.
Meet The Crew
The leadership team of The Spirit of Lake Murray has over 140 years of maritime experience, ranging from small boats to large vessels.
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The leadership team's experience filters down to every member on board the Spirit, from the deck team to interior service members.
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Although the goal of every charter is to ensure that guests have an unforgettable time, it is all with the safety of our guests is paramount.
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Norm Agnew
Lake Murray Tour Partners, LLC
Spirit Captain
Master Captain Norm Agnew has been in the marine construction business for over 25 years on Lake Murray and boating for over 35. In addition to operating The Spirit, he owns Agnew Lake Service, a company his parents started in 1983.
Captain Norm has deep roots in the community, as a district five student, and a graduate of Chapin High School.
Captain Norm's tour experience includes the original tour boat on Lake Murray, the "Southern Patriot" which his family brought to the lake in 1989.
Captain Norman holds a Master Captain's License issued by the United States Coast Guard. He lives with his wife and son in Chapin.
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Captain Norm serves as a Pilot for The Spirit, as well as operating the "business end of things" with Captain Rick.
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Rick Crout
Lake Murray Tour Partners, LLC
Spirit Captain
Master Captain Rick "Hook" Crout has over 30 years of boating experience and has operated as a Boat Charter Captain for over ten years.
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In addition to his experience operating smaller boats, Captain Rick has operated larger tour vessels, yachts, water taxis, in inland, the ICW, and the open sea.
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Captain Rick is a commercial airline pilot and operated an airplane brokerage, Bruce Jenner Airlines, for many years. He is also a concierge pilot for private jet owners in the South East.
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Keeping his roots deep in the water, he lives with his wife near Pine Island, on the Lake.
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Captain Rick serves as the Senior Captain of The Spirit and oversees all Spirit Captains to ensure the safety of all guests and crew.
Steve Price
General Manager
Steve Price is not only an experienced maritime enthusiast, but he is also an award-winning restaurateur, food and beverage, and hospitality expert, and even aviator.
With over 30 years in the customer service industry, Steve's professional experience started operating a major airline sales firm, along with Rick, and for the last decade operating and managing high-end restaurants.
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Steve has consistently been responsible for the success of restaurants and venues he has operated. He always demonstrates a passion for work, knowledge, and a management style that ensures the guest experience remains paramount.
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His expertise in fine wines and great food ensure that his guests will have a memorable experience on board The Spirit.
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Steve has a lifetime of experience on Lake Murray, currently living on the Lake in Ballentine.
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Tyler Ryan
First Officer
Entertainment Director
Master Captain Tyler Ryan is a United States Coast Guard licensed master boat captain with over 30 years of boating experience on fresh and salt water. He has operated a charter boat business on Lake Murray for many years.
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Captain Ty is originally from New England and has been on, in, and under Lake Murray for nearly 30 years.
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He is also a nationally certified Boat Operation and Safety and Rescue instructor, working with the non-profit Safer Boater, teaching across South Carolina and beyond. Captain Ty is also a Newberry County Water Rescue Dive team commander.
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Captain Ty lives with his favorite first mate and husky, Mr. Nixon on the Lexington side of the Dam
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On the Spirit, Captain Ty serves as the First Officer, responsible for training and operational supervision of the deck crew. As a former cruise director for Carnival Cruise Lines, he also brings the entertainment factor to charters and works directly with entertainers who come on board.