9 July, Halifax, NS // Following on from the outstanding success of the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax that took place on 1-2 June, Sail Nova Scotia is working with stakeholders to progress planning for the Season 6 edition of this prestigious international event.
The inaugural ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix broke SailGP records on and off the water, with the fastest ticket sell-out in SailGP history and the largest ever spectator fleet. With over 50,000 visitors on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts during race weekend, more than half (53%) of ticket holders came from outside Halifax and local hotels reported a 25% increase in room bookings on the previous year.
A complete analysis of the economic impact is currently underway and will be released in the coming weeks. On average, SailGP events across Season 4 have contributed US $18.9 million in regional economic impact, as independently audited by Deloitte.
SailGP has confirmed the 2024/2025 calendar which includes 14 international events, including new events in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland. With new teams entering the league and unprecedented demand from host cities, it unfortunately wasn’t possible to confirm Halifax as a Season 5 venue.
“The ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix was the culmination of over two years of work for a large team and it resulted in a huge success for our city, province and country. We are looking ahead to 2026, with the confidence that we can make the event even bigger and better,” said Frank Denis, Executive Director of Sail Nova Scotia, the host organization for the event.
“Halifax will always be SailGP’s first Canadian home port,” said Sarah Flanagan, President of Sail Nova Scotia. “Our incredible team of volunteers worked together with community partners and SailGP to stage an unforgettable experience for our city, one that we are committed to expand on in 2026.”
Julien di Biase, SailGP Chief Operating Officer, said: “SailGP continues to work with its partners in Halifax and is optimistic about a potential return to the city in the future. The incredible welcome the league and the teams received in Halifax was second to none, thanks to the efforts of Sail Nova Scotia and the funding partners – the Province of Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Municipality.”
