Dam Boat Run At Lake Murray In Strong Comeback Mode
Any event will fade into obscurity if its organizers and participants lose steam and it falls out of the spotlight, and that’s exactly what was happening with a longtime go-fast powerboat run on South Carolina’s Lake Murray. By 2022, the event had dwindled to approximately 30 boats. Its future looked bleak.
The owner of this molten-hot 42-foot MTI catamaran, New York’s Bill Sestak was the first person to register for the 2024 Dam Boat Run At Lake Murray.
A passionate performance-boat fan and the owner of Columba, S.C.-based Carolina Home Improvements, Bret Laso couldn’t stand to see that happen to his favorite local happening. So he and his wife, Alli, picked up the reins of the event after the 2022 happening. Laso was on a mission to build it back to its once-strong status and his good work paid off. The 2023 Dam Boat Run At Lake Murray attracted 78 boats.
“We made great progress in our first year,” he said.
Registration for the second-year Dam Boat Run At Lake Murray, which is set for June 21-22, opened in March. Close to 50 go-fast boat owners, including South Carolina’s own Chuck Stark, the current of the famed Crypto Outerlimits SV 43 sportboat, V-bottom kilometer speed-record holder Brian Forehand, Bill Sestak of Bridgeport, N.Y., and his fellow Empire State friend Kelly O’Hara have already signed up for the event.
“My goal this year is 100 boats,” Laso said. “Because of the limits of dock space, we have to cap it at 120 boats.”
Proceeds of the event will benefit Big Red Barn Retreat—a top-flight nonprofit veterans services organization in South Carolina—and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
“Last year, we raised $40,000 for our charities,” Laso said. “We hope to do a lot better this year.”
Added Alli Laso’, “We are really excited and have some big things in store for this year’s run.”
Current event sponsors include Adrenaline Powerboats, the Florida Powerboat Club, Carolina Home Improvements, Jimmy’s Tequila and Carnes, No Limits Photography, Palm Beach Tan, RNR Tire, PASCON Construction and (host venue) Lake Murray Liberty Marina.
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