Overview
The Yacht Club Basque, a non-profit association founded in 1935, is based in the Fort de Socoa at Ciboure, at the head of Saint-Jean-de-Luz bay. Here it laid the foundations of France's first sailing school, the model for the centres opened in 1942 at Sartrouville, Nantes and Annecy. Labelled by the French Sailing Federation as an École Française de Voile, the club is open all year: courses, a racing school from age 6, leisure sailing, para-sailing, rentals, instructor training (CQP IV) and multi-class regattas in the bay, such as the Larraldenia Cup for keelboats and sportboats and the Socoa festival catamaran races.
- Founded
- 1935
- Federation
- Fédération Française de Voile
- contact@ycbasque.org
- Phone
- +33 559471831
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere CROSS Étel – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Larraldenia Cupmulti-class regatta for keelboats and sportboats, 19 September 2026
- Itzurdeakmulti-class regatta for catamarans, dinghies and keelboats
- Régate catamarans des fêtes de Socoacatamaran regatta
- Critérium départemental catamaran 64departmental catamaran series round
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
History and achievements
- 1929A first yacht club is created at Ciboure – Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- 1931It is replaced by the Yacht-Canot-Club basque of Ciboure Socoa
- 1935The Yacht Club Basque is founded, moves into the Fort de Socoa and lays the foundations of France's first sailing school
- 1942Three sailing schools on this model open at Sartrouville, Nantes and Annecy
Location
- Position
- 43°23.55′ N 1°41.08′ W
43.39248, -1.68473 - Address
- Fort de Socoa
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Sailing courses, Racing school, Year-round sailing, Para-sailing and Instructor training (CQP IV).
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: CROSS Étel 196. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Yacht Club Basque founded?
In 1935.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Larraldenia Cup, Itzurdeak, Régate catamarans des fêtes de Socoa and Critérium départemental catamaran 64.