Category: News

  • SailGP Returns to Halifax in June 2026

    SailGP Returns to Halifax in June 2026

    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 Selling Three 29ers

    Sail Nova Scotia Selling Three 29ers

    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.

  • Sail NS Announces New Funding Program from Red Sky at Night

    Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce a new funding program for Member Clubs & Sailing Schools, and Community Partners.

    We’re looking to fund initiatives in four priority areas:

    1 – Foiling
    2 – Programs focused on equity deserving members of our community such as for Indigenous youth, new Canadians, and women’s sailing programs.
    3 – Mobile Sailing School
    4 – Nova Scotia Sailing Team and National Training Centre in St. Margaret’s Bay
    Funds were raised at our very successful Red Sky at Night Fundraiser on May 23. The event was held in conjunction with hosting SailGP.

    All the details can be found in the document linked here. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2025.

    Sail Nova Scotia Red Sky at Night Funding and ApplicationDownload

  • Canada Games 2025 Selection Trials Published

    After input and feedback from coaches, athletes and the Sail NS High Performance Steering Group, Sail NS has published the Selection Trials information for athletes interested in representing Nova Scotia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games to be held in in St. John’s, NL in August.
    You can view the document which includes the Selection Policy as well below.
    If you have any questions, please reach out to Sail NS.

    CG 2025 Trials and Policy Final v2Download
  • Tickets On Sale for Awards Evening

    Tickets On Sale for Awards Evening

    Sail Nova Scotia will host our 4th annual Evening of Excellence & Fundraising on Friday, November 15 at the Atlantica Hotel in Halifax.

    Join us for what is always a highlight of the sailing and boating season.

    On-line ticket sales are now closed but we do have a few left. Contact office @ sailnovascotia.ca to purchase yours.

    The event always sells out so don’t delay and buy your tickets today!

    Any questions please contact Sail NS at [email protected]

  • Sail NS to Help Sailors Raise Funds at Awards Night

    Sail NS to Help Sailors Raise Funds at Awards Night

    Hey competitive sailors,

    Sail Nova Scotia is excited to be hosting our 4th annual Evening of Excellence & Fundraising on
    Friday, November 15th at The Atlantica Hotel in Halifax.

    This year we have decided to offer competitive sailors and teams the opportunity to raise funds at the event.

    Sail NS will provide you with the platform, the venue, the audience, and the opportunity to
    deliver a project, activity, experience, or game to the attendees that evening as a way to raise
    funds for your campaign. There will be 6 spots available. You will be provided with a table at
    the entrance of the ball room for the entirety of the evening. Set up starts at 5pm with guests
    arriving at 6pm and wrapping up at 9:30pm.

    We’re looking for innovative, engaging and fun ideas. Something that most attendees will enjoy
    and take part in. There will be close to 200 in attendance from the sailing, boating, and
    corporate communities. Whatever you raise the evening you take home with you.

    We ask that you share what you are raising funds for at the event so it is clear to all the
    attendees what they will be contributing towards, ie a specific regatta,, multiple events, a flight, a
    new sail, coaching etc…

    We also ask that you share with Sail NS how much money you raised at the event for our
    records and acknowledge Sail NS on social media.

    Please complete this application form if you want to be considered. https://forms.gle/P47rhDxW9GJ1xACN6

    If you have any questions please reach out to Frank [email protected] or myself
    [email protected].

    We are excited to provide this opportunity and look forward to receiving your submission. So
    start brainstorming as the deadline to submit is Friday, October 11.

    Tara Macaulay
    Sail Nova Scotia Fundraising Committee Chair

  • Team Manager Wanted for 2025 Canada Games

    Team Manager Wanted for 2025 Canada Games

    Sail Nova Scotia is seeking a Sailing Team Manager to support our athletes at the 2025 Canada Games to be held August 8-16, 2025 in St. John’s, NL. This is a volunteer position and must be filled by a female as the Head Coach (Chris Watters) is male.

    Full details can be found in the document below. The application deadline is Monday, October 7.

    2025 Canada Games Sailing Team ManagerDownload

  • 2024 Sailing & Boating Conference

    Join Sail Nova Scotia at our annual Sailing & Boating Conference on Saturday, November 2 at Citadel High School in Halifax. The $30 registration fee includes lunch. Free for current coaches and instructors.
    Lots of great topics to choose from. See the Conference Schedule below and be sure to register early. Registration is now open here

    2024 Conference Schedule v2Download
  • 2024 Women’s Keelboat Provincials

    2024 Women’s Keelboat Provincials

    Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce that the Women’s Keelboat Provincials will be held September 14-15, 2024 at Chester Yacht Club in Bluenoses.
    On-line registration can be found here. Registration deadline is Saturday, September 7.
    The most recent Notice of Race (NOR) can be found below.

    2024 Women’s Provincials NOR-2Download
    2024 Women’s Provincials SIDownload

  • Sail Nova Scotia and SailGP set sights on Halifax for 2026

    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.”