Author: Frank Denis

The Sail Canada Offshore Personal Survival Course (formerly known as World Sailing Survival at Sea), will be offered in Halifax April 4 & 5 from 8:30 – 5 pm each day.

All the details can be found in the poster

The Sail Nova Scotia Board of Directors is now receiving nominations for positions on its Board of Directors.

The Sail Nova Scotia Board is a governing board and has the fiduciary responsibility to act honestly; act in good faith; be loyal; exercise authority within the parameters of the position; disclose conflict of interest; avoid breach of confidence; and hold in strict confidence all transactions and business affairs of transactions affecting Sail Nova Scotia and its members.

If you are interested in learning more please review the 2026 Board Nomination Package, found on this page, which has all the information and a link top a Nomination Form.

Thank you for your interest.

We would like to receive nominations by November 30, 2025.

On Friday, November 14th, Sail Nova Scotia held its 5th Annual Evening of Excellence & Fundraising where we awarded our 2025 awards.

Congratulations to all the winners!


Sailors of the Year: Georgia & Antonia Lewin-LaFrance, RNSYS & Chester Yacht Club
Female Sailor of the Year: Savannah Taylor, Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club
Male Sailor of the Year: Tim Woodford, Bras d’Or Yacht Club
Hal Davies Offshore Sailor of the Year: Andrew Childs
Youth Sailors of the Year: Reilly Nakatsu, RNSYS, & Claire Daley, St. Margaret Sailing Club
Volunteer of the Year: Kerstin Gilkerson, Indian Point Yacht Club
Regattas of the Year: Truman “Trap” Stright Regatta, Pictou Yacht Club & Opti Masters Cup – Armdale Yacht Club
WOW! Women on Water Award: Angela Chisholm & Joanne Seviour
Team of the Year: Canada Games 2025 Sailing Team
Coach of the Year: Madeline Singer, St. Margaret Sailing Club
President’s Award: Tara Macaulay & Agustin Ferrario, Foil4All
Instructor of the Year: Noah Villafane, Hubbards Sailing Club
Legacy Fund Award: Sullivan Nakatsu, RNSYS
Race Official of the Year: Evan Oulahen, Bedford Basin Yacht Club
Paul Tingley Perseverance Award: Judy Lugar, St. Margaret Sailing Club

We’re excited to announce that we have released our schedule and opened registration for our Annual Sailing & Boating Conference set for Saturday, November 1 at Citadel High School in Halifax. Last year more than 80 people attended the Conference and the reviews were all very positive.

We have some fantastic sessions planned this year; funding programs for clubs and programs, Foiling, Common Legal Issues, and much more. The full schedule is posted below.

The fee to attend is $40 and includes lunch. Thank you SONA Pay for sponsoring lunch!

Current instructors and coaches can register free by contacting Sophia.

If your club wants to purchase a few registrations, just send us an e-mail.

Individuals can register here https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/

See you November 1!

Join us and fellow sailors and boaters as we celebrate some fantastic on-water achievements, volunteers, programs, and more at our annual awards celebration! This year, the event takes place Friday, November 14 at 6pm at the Atlantica Hotel in Halifax. Tickets always sell out, so get yours early.

There will be a silent auction, raffle, athlete fundraising, and much more. A pretty good after-party too!
See you on the 14th.

Tickets and all the details here.

What a year 2025 has been!
So many fantastic results on the water, regattas organized across the province, and support from volunteers. Now it’s time to recognize the best!
Sail Nova Scotia is receiving award nominations thru the end of day September 30 for all of our awards.
Nominations must be submitted using the form linked here.
Nominations must be for activities between October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
Awards will be presented November 14, 2025.

Have you heard the news?

Sail Nova Scotia is very excited to have been selected as the host of the 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix to be held in June next year. Exact dates and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Here are some thoughts from the league, Canada’s NorthStar SailGP Team, and the partners in Nova Scotia who have been working hard to make this happen.

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “We are thrilled to be heading back to Halifax – a top fan favorite on the Rolex SailGP Championship calendar. We had an incredible turnout by fans who were passionate for our racing last year in Halifax, and combined with the challenging race conditions, it promises to be a standout event in our 2026 season.”

Sail Nova Scotia President Sarah Flanagan said: “The fans showed up in force in Halifax last year, and Sail Nova Scotia is so pleased to be hosting the 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix. Thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia, the city of Halifax, and all of our partners for coming together to help us bring SailGP back to Halifax. I have no doubt Canada’s Ocean Playground will put on an unforgettable event again.”

Mayor of Halifax Andy Fillmore said: “We’re thrilled to welcome SailGP back to Halifax in 2026. Last year’s Grand Prix brought an electrifying energy to our waterfront, showcased our world-class harbour to the globe, and united Haligonians in a celebration of sport, innovation, and community pride. Halifax is Canada’s ocean city and there’s no better backdrop for the return of the fastest racing on water.”

Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Hon. Dave Ritcey said: “Bringing SailGP back to Halifax is a proud moment for Nova Scotia. Few international events deliver this much energy to our doorstep. The Canada Sail Grand Prix will showcase high-performance racing and celebrate our deep maritime roots. We can’t wait to welcome the world back to Halifax and show them what makes Nova Scotia such a remarkable place.”

NorthStar SailGP Team driver Giles Scott said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that the Canada Sail Grand Prix will return to Halifax in 2026. The energy from the fans, the stunning waterfront and the challenging conditions made it one of the standout venues last season. As a team, racing in front of the home crowd is incredibly special, and we can’t wait to bring the excitement of SailGP back to Canada.”

You can read the full announcement from SailGP that includes 10 locations for 2026 here.

We will keep you updated on event details as they are available including dates and ticket information, volunteer opportunities, and a celebration event this spring. Information will be shared on our social media channels, website, and in this newsletter. Make sure to subscribe, follow up, and share with your friends!

Thank you to all of our member clubs and sailing schools for their full support as we prepared and submitted our bid to host once again. 

Here we go!!!!

Sail Nova Scotia is selling three 29ers. All the details are in the linked flyer. The boats are currently stored at RNSYS and viewings will be held in early March.
If your interested in one or all three, please reach out to Provincial Coach Chris Watters. Open to Nova Scotia Clubs and buyers only.