Orio and Arraun Lagunak Crowned Champions at the 2025 Bandera de La Concha
San Sebastián, September 14, 2025 – The Bay of La Concha was electric this Sunday for the decisive final day of the 2025 Bandera de La Concha. In a thrilling morning of rowing, Orio in the men’s category and Arraun Lagunak in the women’s category have claimed the prestigious trophy, etching their names into the history of one of the most emblematic competitions on the Cantabrian coast.
Historic Victory for Orio and Coxswain Gorka Aranberri
The Orio crew pulled off a spectacular comeback on this second day to win the Flag. After a tightly contested first day from which Zierbena started with a slight lead, the “Eaglets” of Orio demonstrated their power on the water, overcoming their direct rivals and setting the best time of the day. With this victory, Orio adds another title to its already extensive record.
The day was especially significant for its coxswain, Gorka Aranberri, who secured his tenth Bandera de La Concha, becoming the most decorated coxswain in the competition’s history.
The final men’s overall standings are as follows:
- Orio: 38:35
- Zierbena: at 12 seconds
- Bermeo: at 32 seconds
- Donostiarra: at 48 seconds
- Getaria: at 56 seconds
- Hondarribia: at 1:19 minutes
- San Juan: at 1:30 minutes
- Lekittarra: at 1:31 minutes
Arraun Lagunak Solidifies its Dominance in Women’s Rowing
In the women’s category, Arraun Lagunak lived up to expectations and defended its champion title for the third consecutive year, marking the fourth in their club’s history. The San Sebastián-based crew, which had already shown its superiority on the first day, dominated the final heat from start to finish, giving their rivals no chance.
With a combined time of 21:30, Arraun Lagunak has once again shown why they are the team to beat in women’s traditional rowing today.
The final women’s standings are as follows:
- Arraun Lagunak: 21:30
- Tolosaldea: at 17 seconds
- Orio: at 25 seconds
- Donostiarra: at 42 seconds
- Zumaia: at 47 seconds
- Astillero: at 53 seconds
- Hibaika: at 57 seconds
- Hondarribia: at 59 seconds
La Concha Regatta 2025 | Day 1: Arraun Lagunak take control as Zierbena edge it by a tenth
Update (7 September 2025)
La Concha — the Basque Country’s flagship coastal-rowing regatta in San Sebastián (Donostia), raced in traditional fixed-seat longboats (“traineras”) and decided on aggregate time over two Sundays — opened with two very different stories.
Women
Arraun Lagunak were a cut above, winning the day in 10:29.20, 10.00 s clear of Tolosaldea. Orio completed the day’s podium at +10.84. Behind them, Zumaia stayed steady, while Donostiarra navigated a demanding session to finish sixth; Astillero, Hibaika and Hondarribia closed out the list.
Takeaway: Arraun Lagunak have planted a clear marker and will force everyone else to take risks next Sunday.
Men
A photo-finish on the water: Zierbena took it in 18:59.26, just 0.10 s ahead of Orio (18:59.36). Post-race, Orio received a +3 s penalty for a double warning, stretching the effective Day-1 gap for the two-leg sum to 3.10 s. Bermeo (19:05.44) lie poised, with Donostiarra fourth, then Getaria, Hondarribia, San Juan and Lekittarra.
Bottom line: everything remains wide open.
Day results and times
Women
- Arraun Lagunak — 10:29.20
- Tolosaldea — 10:39.20 (+10.00)
- Orio — 10:40.04 (+10.84)
- Zumaia — 10:45.10 (+15.90)
- Astillero — 10:53.88 (+24.68)
- Donostiarra — 10:54.32 (+25.12)
- Hibaika — 10:57.14 (+27.94)
- Hondarribia — 10:58.88 (+29.68)
Men
- Zierbena — 18:59.26
- Orio — 18:59.36 (+3 s penalty → 19:02.36 for the aggregate)
- Bermeo — 19:05.44
- Donostiarra — 19:15.06
- Getaria — 19:20.12
- Hondarribia — 19:21.86
- San Juan — 19:34.72
- Lekittarra — 19:42.86
What to watch for on Leg 2 (Sunday 14 September)
- Women: Arraun Lagunak start with a clear cushion; Tolosaldea and Orio will have to push the pace.
- Men: Expect fine margins. Orio’s penalty shapes the aggregate, but water state — and the ciaboga (the 180° turn around the buoy) — could decide it.
Urdaibai sets the pace as eight crews qualify for the 2025 Bandera de la Concha
Update (September 4, 2025):
Concha Regatta 2025 got underway on Thursday afternoon with the men’s qualifying race held in the bay of San Sebastián. This decisive trial determined the seven boats that will join the host crew, Donostiarra, in the battle for the Basque Country’s most prestigious coastal rowing trophy over the next two Sundays
With a commanding performance and no room left for rivals, Bermeo-Urdaibai dominated the race, confirming its role as the main favorite. Behind the “Bou Bizkaia,” the crews from Orio, Zierbena, Hondarribia, Getaria, San Juan, and Lekittarra posted the fastest times and secured their spots. Special mention goes to Lekittarra, returning to La Concha after more than twenty years of absence.
The men’s qualifying round confirmed the high level of the leading traineras (traditional Basque rowing boats), with all favorites living up to expectations. As a result, Urdaibai, Orio, Zierbena, Hondarribia, Getaria, San Juan, and Lekittarra, together with the host Donostiarra, will make up the eight contenders in San Sebastián’s bay. The first race of the Bandera de la Concha will take place next Sunday, with the decisive final scheduled for the following weekend.
Seven women’s crews secure their places for the 2025 Bandera de la Concha
Update (September 3, 2025):
On Wednesday afternoon, the qualifying regatta for the 2025 women’s Bandera de la Concha was held, an exciting event that defined the seven boats that will join the host, Donostia Arraun Lagunak, in the fight for the prestigious flag over the next two Sundays.
In demanding conditions in San Sebastián’s bay, the crews of Orio, Tolosaldea, Donostiarra, Hibaika, Hondarribia, Astillero, and Zumaia delivered the best times and secured their participation in the women’s showcase of Basque coastal rowing.
This qualifying round reflected the high standards of the season, with the favorites delivering on expectations and booking their tickets. These seven boats now join Donostia Arraun Lagunak, automatically qualified as the local club, to form the lineup that will compete for glory in San Sebastián. The first race of the Bandera will be held next Sunday, followed by the decisive final one week later.
Bandera de la Concha – Rowing Regattas 2025
Every September, the Basque city of San Sebastián turns into the world capital of traditional rowing. The Concha Regatta 2025, the most prestigious traineras (traditional Basque rowing boats) competition in Spain and one of the most iconic in Europe, will take place on September 7 and 14 in the famous La Concha Bay. The event draws not only the best clubs from the Basque Country, Cantabria and Galicia, but also thousands of fans, including an increasing number of international visitors.

The calendar
The regatta will begin with qualifying rounds:
- Wednesday, September 3 (6:00 PM): women’s qualifying heats, with Arraun Lagunak automatically qualified as the local club.
- Thursday, September 4 (6:00 PM): men’s qualifying heats, with Donostiarra granted a direct place as the host club.
The two decisive days will follow:
- Sunday, September 7: first leg (11:00 AM women, 12:00 PM men).
- Sunday, September 14: second leg at the same times, when the winners of the Concha Regatta 2025 will be crowned.
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Favorites and challengers
In the men’s competition, Bermeo-Urdaibai remains the big favorite after winning the 2024 edition and securing its eighth title. But Hondarribia, Zierbena and Galician club Cabo da Cruz are expected to challenge their dominance.
On the women’s side, Arraun Lagunak are once again the team to beat. The San Sebastián-based crew, winners in 2024, will face tough competition from Orio, Donostiarra and the Galician boats, which have been steadily improving.
A unique maritime spectacle
The Concha Regatta 2025 is unlike most rowing events in Europe. It takes place in La Concha Bay, a natural amphitheater framed by Mount Urgull, Mount Igeldo and Santa Clara Island. Spectators enjoy an exceptional view of the entire race from the beach, the promenade or even balconies overlooking the bay.
For English-speaking readers less familiar with Basque maritime traditions, traineras are long wooden boats originally used for fishing. Each measures about 12 meters, weighs around 200 kilograms, and is rowed by 13 oarsmen (or oarswomen) plus a coxswain. This gives the Concha Regatta a heritage value far beyond its sporting importance.
More than just a race
First held in 1879 for men and in 2008 for women, the Concha Regatta has become a cultural event as much as a sporting competition. The city is draped in the colors of the competing clubs, bars and social clubs overflow with fans, and the atmosphere is festive throughout the two weekends. For visitors from abroad, the regatta is not only about rowing: it’s also about Basque gastronomy, with pintxos (tapas) and cider as essential parts of the experience.
News and updates
- Official presentation: held on August 29, confirming the participation of the leading clubs from the ACT League (men) and the Euskotren League (women).
- Unique women’s format: in 2025, several local clubs from San Sebastián will have to compete in the qualifying heats, ending the usual automatic host qualification.
- Preparatory event: on July 12, the Fabrika Regatta took place in the same bay, serving as a warm-up for September.
Economic and cultural impact
The Concha Regatta 2025 also has a major economic impact. Hotels and restaurants in San Sebastián are fully booked, and the event attracts many international tourists, especially from France and increasingly from the UK and the US. For the city, already renowned for its International Film Festival and Michelin-starred cuisine, the regatta adds another dimension to its global profile.
Conclusion
The Concha Regatta 2025 promises excitement, rivalry and tradition in one of Europe’s most beautiful bays. With strong favorites and ambitious challengers, San Sebastián is set to host a spectacular event. For English-speaking visitors, it is a unique chance to discover a living maritime tradition and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the Basque Country, where sport and culture come together in perfect harmony.