July 2008

The Traditional Sports and Games series issued throughout 2008 to promote de rich sports heritage of the different parts of Spain, features in this issue the Regatas de Traineras (Rowing Boat Races). This is a traditional nautical sport with a strong tradition in the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.

Rowing competition

The Regatas de Traineras have their origins in coastal water fishing when fishermen, after collecting the fish from the fishing-grounds, rowed as fast as they could to port. As years went past, these rowing boats were replaced by engine ones and this old fishing tradition gave way to competitions in fishing villages thus beginning one of the most popular sports in the coasts of northern Spain. The regattas that take place in La Concha (San Sebastián), were first organised in 1879 and have taken place practically every year since. Many other northern sea towns also participate in the many contests that take place throughout the summer.

Races take place in rivers, harbours and at sea with trails for each boat. The distance to cover is three miles in a maximum of four lengths and three ciabogas (a technical manoeuvre by which the boat makes a 180º turn to continue in the opposite direction). The crew is made up of 13 rowers and a cox and they are placed on the boat depending on their expertise, strength and ability.

These rowing championships began to take place in Spain in 1944 and amongst the most famous awards are the Gran Premio del Nervión, Gran Premio de Santander and Gran Premio de la Coruña and the boats from the towns of Pedreña. Orio and Kaiku are the ones that have won these awards more often.

The stamp is issued with a vignette with no postal value depicting a scene of a Regata de Traineras under the orders of the cox.