Passion with both oars in the water

Port, hold!

Let's start at the beginning: traineras are a traditional type of boat from the Cantabrian coast. They were used for fishing, because their design of raised bow and round stern is the best to withstand the waves of a sea with as much character as the Cantábrico. The appearance of fishing boats with engines relegated them to sporting use, with very different characteristics from the Olympic rowing boats: the rowers' seats, tostas, are not mobile and the crew is made up of 13 rowers and a coxswain (cox).

The role of the cox in a trainera is fundamental: they set the pace, control the rudder and decide on manoeuvres and strategies that can be decisive in winning the competition. In 2019, Izaro Lestayo became the first female cox of a male team in the top category, an important fact, given that the competition was forbidden to women until 2008.

The oldest race

The Bandera de La Concha (Bandera means Flag, the prize the winners are presented with at the end of the race) is the oldest sporting event still held in the Basque Country: it was inaugurated in 1879 as part of the city's festivities, although today the teams come from all over Spain. Asturians, Galicians, Cantabrians and even Catalans have tried to beat the Basque men's teams, but they do not make it easy for them. The women's championship, on the other hand, began with the victory of a Galician boat, which continued to dominate until 2012.

In the 2021 edition, the Bandera de La Concha will be held with the sanitary measures imposed by COVID 19 and limited audience capacity; there will be two qualifying regattas to be held on the 1st (women's category) and 2nd September (men's category), and two finals on the 5th and 12th September, with a total of 44 boats competing in the regatta.

A day of racing

If you want to immerse yourself in the regatta atmosphere and attend as a spectator, you can go to the Paseo de la Concha, the Isla Santa Clara or Palacio de Miramar. However, nowhere is better than the wall of Mount Urgull, where you will enjoy an unbeatable view. 

Other privileged spots are a little less accessible but, if you are an organised person, you can book days or even weeks in advance at the grandstand on Paseo Nuevo or Alderdi Eder park. Another option is to watch the regatta on board the Ciudad San Sebastián catamaran for a truly unique experience. Or if you prefer to enjoy some peace and quiet and a cocktail, you can go up to the terrace of the Hotel Lasala Plaza.

When the competition is over, the boats return to the port but the party continues in the streets of the Parte Vieja. You have many recommendations to get your strength back in our blog, but book in advance… and put the flags out!

If you need help finding out how to best enjoy the Bandera de la Concha, just ask us - at Zinema7 we really enjoy sharing all the secrets of our city!