SailGP: Halifax welcomes the return of SailGP for a weekend of high-speed racing

Now in its second edition, the event cements Halifax’s reputation as Canada’s ocean playground and one of SailGP’s most demanding venues, where challenging Atlantic conditions, passionate crowds and spectacular waterfront views converge for a truly unmissable weekend of racing. Fans can expect fast, physical and unpredictable action, with identical F50 foiling catamarans reaching speeds up to 100km/h and national pride, personal glory and a $12.8 USD million prize all on the line.

With Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos arriving as championship leaders after three straight event wins, the host nation’s NorthStar SailGP Team looking to ignite their campaign on home waters, and New Zealand’s Black Foils making their long-awaited return to the start line, the stakes have never been higher.

The high-stakes Rolex SailGP Championship returns to Nova Scotia, where unpredictable Atlantic swells and shifty coastal breezes on Halifax Harbour will set a dramatic stage for a crucial weekend of racing. With the season reaching a critical midpoint, every single point is vital and the weekend is loaded with storylines.

The Bonds Flying Roos, the championship pace-setters, arrive in Canada firmly established as the team to beat for the 2026 Season – 11 points ahead of second-place Emirates GBR on the season leaderboard. Riding a wave of momentum following three consecutive event victories and with support from co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the Australians have put on a masterclass in consistency, high-speed execution, and tactical composure. The Flying Roos, led by driver Tom Slingsby, enter the weekend aiming for another top-podium finish to widen their lead in the overall Rolex SailGP Championship standings.

No team will command more local focus or spotlight this weekend than the NorthStar SailGP Team. Competing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Canadians, led by driver Giles Scott and Halifax hometown hero Billy Gooderham as flight controller, are primed to capitalise on familiar waters and build momentum following their first event final of the season in New York at the end of May. Canada is one of SailGP’s fastest growing markets – with awareness of SailGP increasing 244 percent since the start of 2024 – the Canadians will look for back-to-back event final appearances for the first time since March 2025 to delight national fans both old and new.

The Black Foils will return to the start line for the first time in four months  since damage sustained to their F50 during a high-speed crash in Auckland. New Zealand, led by driver Peter Burling, is back on the water and eager to reassert its status as a top championship threat after having competed in the Grand Final each of the last two seasons. Holding a legacy as one of the most decorated teams in SailGP history, the Kiwis’ comeback adds immediate pressure to the fleet and introduces a wild card to the season leaderboard, with everyone watching to see how fast they can shake off the rust and hunt for a podium spot.

The Halifax event arrives immediately following the dramatic incident involving the USA, Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil in New York. Damage sustained across multiple F50s has created uncertainty around repair timelines. SailGP’s technical teams have been working around the clock to prepare the fleet, but it will come down to the start of the weekend’s racing for the final confirmation of which F50s will be on the water.

Fans can follow all the action from the Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax, across major broadcast territories, including on TSN 2 (Canada) and CBS Sports Network (U.S.), as SailGP continues to grow its global audience. Coverage will be available in the UK (TNT Sports), in Brazil Globo and Band, France (Canal+), Germany (ZDF), Spain (Movistar), Italy (Sky Italia) and Sweden (TV4). Viewers in Australasia can watch via Fox Sports and SBS (Australia) and Three (New Zealand), while Great Sports will broadcast in China.

Limited tickets for this year’s event remain available. Fans can visit SailGP.com/Halifax for more information.

Text and images courtesy of SailGP.com.