Yacht clubs and more

If you are looking to join a yacht or sailing club or even learn how to boat in the Bay Area, there is plenty to choose from.
  1. Bay Area Sailing School 1500 Marina Bay Drive, Ste. 1410, Kemah 281-334-4179 www.bayareasailing.com
2. Clear Lake Sailing Club 5001 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook www.clearlakesailingclub.org 3. Houston Yacht Club 3620 Miramar Drive, La Porte 281-471-1255 www.houstonyachtclub.com 4. Lakewood Yacht Club 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive, Seabrook 281-474-2511 www.lakewoodyachtclub.com 5. Seabrook Sailing Club 1010 Todville Road, Seabrook www.seabrooksailingclub.org 6. Watergate Yachting Center 1500 Marina Bay Drive, Clear Lake Shores 281-334-1511 www.watergatemarina.com

Boat racing, water events and more

For those who want to maximize their time on the water, there are several events in the Bay Area this August and September. 7. Aug. 11: Clear Lake Sailing Club Series 10, 11 & 12 Boat Races This informal race, weather permitting, gives sailors the experience of boat racing, improving their sailing abilities and sharpening their skills, according to club member Don Pearson. Participants do not have to be members of the club but must have their own boat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free Clear Lake Park, 5001 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook www.clearlakesailingclub.org 8. Second and fourth Saturdays: Armand Bayou Nature Center Guided Canoe Tours Observe wildlife in the Armand Bayou Nature Center with a tour guide, traveling approximately 3 miles round trip. Beginners and experienced canoers are welcome, but they must be age 12 and older. Adults must accompany children under 18 years old. Life jackets are provided. 8-11 a.m. $25 Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena 281-474-2551. www.abnc.org 9. Sundays: Pinky’s Kayak Rental Guided Tours Have an experienced kayak guide show you around Armand Bayou. Tour operators will guide kayakers along a selected path and point out some of the key interests along the way. Participants may spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, insects, flora and fauna. Guided tours are for those who are already familiar with paddling and are fine with paddling for three hours. There is a five-kayak minimum for guided kayak tours. 9 a.m.-noon. $70 (single kayak), $80 (tandem) Pinky’s Kayak Rental, Bay Area Park, 7500 Bay Area Blvd., Houston 713-510-7968 www.pinkyskayakrental.com/guided-tours 10. Wednesday nights through Sept. 5: Sailboat races Enjoy a meal and glass of wine on the patio at Villa Capri while watching sailors race their boats on Clear Lake. Or get involved and take to the waters with your own boat on several different courses. 6:15 p.m. Free (to watch at Villa Capri), $15 and up (to race) Villa Capri, 3713 NASA Parkway, Seabrook www.clearlakeracing.com 11. Aug. 17-18: Heald Bank Regatta Open to the public, this two-day event includes a boat race, awards ceremony, Buccaneer Bash party and more. The race is Friday afternoon, and Andy and the Dreamsicles will play live music during the awards dinner starting at 6 p.m. $25 (for dinner) Lakewood Yacht Club, 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive, Seabrook 281-474-2511. www.lakewoodyachtclub.com 12. Aug. 18: Party Barge Poetry The Poetic Den hosts Flowetic, the first poetry party voyage on Kemah waters. Hookah and finger foods are provided; cigars are welcome; and BYOB. DJ Rheamarkable will perform. 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. $55 Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah 832-585-9398 13. Aug. 25:  Clear Creek Paddle Race Gather your paddleboards, kayaks and canoes for League City’s Clear Creek Paddle Race. This water-thon is about 4.5 miles along Clear Creek, and everyone from beginners to experts is invited to participate. Awards will be given to first-place finishers in each category. Registration begins at 9 a.m., the race starts at 10 a.m., and the awards ceremony is at 11 a.m. $10 (cash and checks only) Lynn Gripon Park, 100 Alderwood, League City 281-554-1195. www.visitleaguecity.com