Few places in Europe offer a sailing classroom like this one: sheltered Txingudi Bay, tucked between Hondarribia and the French coast, for your first manoeuvres — and the Bay of Biscay a stone's throw away, to learn what real sailing is. From Hondarribia Marina, Rex Sailing School teaches sailing courses with international certification, in Spanish and English.
Why learn to sail in Hondarribia?
- Waters for every level. Txingudi Bay is a calm, protected natural training ground. When you're ready, stepping out into the Cantabrian Sea gives you real swell, currents and changing weather — the best teacher there is.
- A unique setting. You sail between Hondarribia's walled old town, Mount Jaizkibel and the French Basque coast.
- Certified instructors teaching in Spanish and English.
ISSA international certification
Our courses follow the ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association) programme, recognised worldwide for sailing and chartering. The path covers every level:
- Beginner / crew: your first time aboard — safety, lines, wind and basic manoeuvres.
- Inshore and coastal skipper: command in coastal waters, anchoring, docking and chart navigation.
- Offshore skipper: long passages, watches, weather and route planning.
- VHF radio and specialities to round out your training.
One school, two worlds: from Biscay to the Arctic
Rex Sailing School is not just a bay school. Our fleet includes Cap II, a 77-foot expedition sailboat that sails to Arctic Norway every winter on the northern lights expedition. For many students that's the full path: learn in Txingudi, find your feet in Biscay, and end up crewing among fjords and auroras — all with the same school.
Start this autumn
Autumn is a great time to start: quieter waters, steady wind and small groups. Check the sailing course calendar or contact us and we'll recommend the right course for your experience.
Rex Sailing School — sailing school at Hondarribia Marina, Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain).