(Texas City, Texas –) The public can now enjoy the clear blue waters of the state’s largest Crystal Lagoons® amenity with the opening of the National Sailing Club at Lago Mar in Texas City.
The National Sailing Club offers aquatic adventure and lessons for all experience levels, said Uri Man, CEO of The Lagoon Development Company. A variety of memberships are available for both the general public and residents of Lago Mar, giving them access to the sailing club and its fleet of RS Zest sailboats, a catamaran, single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, electric stand-up paddle boards and other watercraft, including sunset cruises on a new Duffy electric ferry.
“This facility is the first of its kind in the United States — a professionally managed watersports facility on a crystal clear lagoon,” Man said. “Members will have the opportunity to take sailing courses by experienced instructors designed to increase skill and sailing confidence. There is also a social calendar in the works, with activities such as holiday parties, happy hours, regattas and other fun events.”
For beginning sailors, a trained sailor will captain the sailboat as it tours the lagoon. Instruction for all watercraft is also available. The Duffy power boat can accommodate up to 12 people.
“This immense lagoon is the size of 14 NFL football fields, allowing plenty of space for people to sail, paddle or simply relax and cruise its crystal clear waters,” said Man. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to fans of watersports. Not only is the Lago Mar lagoon the largest in Texas — and offers the most shoreline perimeter than any other lagoon in the U.S. — this is the perfect place to take a lesson with your family and get comfortable enjoying watersports in an environment that is safer than a lake or ocean.”
Depending on the watercraft, rates for a 45-minute excursion start at $20. Memberships are also available as are annual passes for paddle sports and full access. Memberships offer a discount off the price of all activities for the member and a limited number of the member’s guests. Individual and family passes are available. For a limited time, Lago Mar residents can enjoy membership at no cost.
Sailors can also add on a racing pass for unlimited charters for off-site regattas as well as charter a sailboat for an approved off-site competition.
“This is a no-worry solution for people who love being on the water but who either don’t have the space to keep a sailboat or kayak or don’t want to have to maintain it,” Man said. “Our boats and paddle boards are in pristine condition and are always ready to go.”
As the club expands, private sailing instruction will be available as well as a group learn-to-sail course, sailing clinics and sailing camps for children age 8 to 12 and teens age 13 to 17. Programs will launch in August, Man said. More information is available at www.nationalsailingclub.com.
The National Sailing Club crew includes professionals with more than 30 years combined on-the-water experience and include Vinny Tyrell, a second-generation captain; competitive sailor Dane Byerly; and Galveston Island native Ty Bugo.
Stretching a quarter of a mile end-to-end, the Lago Mar lagoon opened in 2020. The lagoon is the signature feature of a 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district being built at the entrance to Lago Mar. The opening of the sailing club is part of the initial vision of the district, Man said, with future phases of development to include hotels, condo buildings, retail, dining, entertainment, as well as a separate pay-for-access beach club with multiple beaches for the general public with a cabana pool, a two-story swim-up bar on an island, a kid’s beach with water features and a floating obstacle course. Also planned is an event center with a beachfront event lawn for corporate events, weddings and concerts.
Lagoonfest Texas, a pop-up beach festival for the general public, is currently running through Sept. 6, and ticket purchasers can also reserve watercraft from the National Sailing Club via the event website, www.lagoonfesttexas.com.
Lago Mar is a residential community located in Texas City. Thirteen builders offer a variety of homes from the mid $240,000s. Learn more at www.lagomarintexascity.com.
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The nation’s first professionally managed watersports facility has opened in Lago Mar. The National Sailing Club offers members and non-members access to sailboats, single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and an electric boat that seats 12 for sunset cruises.
