Join us on Friday, November 17 at the Atlantica Hotel in Halifax as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Sail Nova Scotia awards and raise some funds to support Sail NS programs. All the ticket details can be found here
Don’t delay as the event sells out earlier and earlier every year.
Category: News
Sail NS Evening of Excellence & Fundraising – Nov 17
SailGP Returns to Halifax in 2026
What you need to know!
Get ready Halifax! June 2026 marks the second visit by SailGP Racing to Canada, and once again they have chosen Halifax! As host of the event, Sail Nova Scotia is happy to share the following information and links for everything you need to know about the event. We will add more info as it is received.
What is SailGP?
SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The global championship features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.
The high-tech, high-speed action features sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h. SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature.
For more information on SailGP, visit SailGP.com
What are the dates of the June 2026 event?
SailGP has yet to announce the Halifax event dates, but if you sign up for the SailGP newsletter or follow Sail Nova Scotia on Facebook or Instagram, as soon as dates are announced you will be informed.
When will 2026 Tickets go on sale?
No date has been set for ticket sales yet, but follow SailGP and or Sail NS and you’ll be one of the first to know.How can I volunteer?
If you’re interested in volunteering for Sail Nova Scotia at the 2026 SailGP event, please click this link and sign up no later than August 31.
Read the full release announcing SailGPs return to Halifax below
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.
Sail NS Adopts Safe Sport
Sail Nova Scotia in partnership with Sail Canada is committed to providing everyone involved in the sport of sailing a safe and welcoming environment in which to participate. As we work towards ensuring a positive, safe, and inclusive environment, Sail Canada has created a harmonious policy package to set the expectations for safe sport across the country which Sail Nova Scotia adopted in June 2023.
These policies are designed to provide guidance and direction to all sailing activity across the country, applicable to Sail Canada, Sail Nova Scotia as well as all our Member Organizations within the confines of any applicable provincial legislation that may have authority over any aspect of the Safe Sport Policy Package and the policies contained within the package. Leaders of each of Sail Nova Scotia’s Member Organizations should adopt the Policy Package, as presented, for their organization and join Sail Canada and Sail Nova Scotia in the commitment to making sport, especially sailing, a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
You can find the Safe Sport Policies on our website here https://sailnovascotia.ca/about/safe-sport-policies/ .
Canada Games Sailing Team Announced
Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce the sailors and support staff who will represent the province at the Canada Summer Games to be held in the Niagara Region in August.
ILCA 6 class: Elsie Gillis, Halifax
ILCA 7 Class: Sullivan Nakatsu, Hammonds Plains
29er Female: Hailey Nichols, Martin’s River & Katherine Lowe, Mahone Bay
29er Male: Alex Graham, Chester & Silas Conlin-Morse, WolfvilleCoach: Stephen Waldie, Dartmouth
Manager: Sophia Josenhans, LunenburgThe sailing competition will take place at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on Lake Ontario just outside St. Catharine’s, Ontario from August 17 – 20. Sailors were selected based on the results of selection trials held in late May.
Spring Instructor Courses Announced
Sail Nova Scotia has announced all the details and the schedule for Sail Canada Instructor Courses that will be offered in Nova Scotia this spring.
Candidates are encouraged to read all the information including the attached Sail NS Instructor Pathway Document.
You can register for courses here https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/
Race Management Courses Offered January 29-30
Sail Nova Scotia will be offering the Sail Canada Race Management course the weekend of January 29 – 30 on Zoom.Upon completion of the 2 day course candidates will be certified in the Assistant Race Officer Level and complete the throry component of the Club Race Officer level.
Cost is $105 per person an includes the Sail Canada Join the Race Committee booklet.
All the registration details can be found here https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/
The registration deadline if Friday, January 21 and space is limited so please sign up early.
Any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
2022 World Championships Coming to NS
Sail Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Hubbards Sailing Club and the St. Margaret Sailing Club, has been selected to host the 2022 International 49er, 49erFX, and International Nacra 17 World Championship Sailing Regatta on the waters of St. Margarets Bay. This will be the first time this event has been held in Canadian waters.
The main competition is scheduled to take place from August 31st to September 5th, 2022. A pre-regatta, as well as training for the competitors, will take place in the weeks leading up to the Championships.
Associated on-shore activities will be centered in the village of Hubbards from early August to Labour Day Monday where more than 1,000 competitors, coaches, and volunteers will congregate.
Over 400 Competitors from more than 50 countries will be taking part in this event, along with 300 Support Crew, Judges & International Officials, and 300+ Volunteers. The 49er Class (2 person crew, men), 49erFX (2 person crew, women), and the Nacra 17 (2 person crew, mixed) are high performance, Olympic Class sailing boats.
The World Championships represent a wonderful opportunity to celebrate high-performance athletes and inspire our youth as we further develop the next generation of skiff sailors and our National Coaching Team.
Volunteers are required to make this a great event. If you’re interested, please complete the form linked below:
On-Land or On-Water volunteers.Canada Games Sailing Trials Announced
Sail Nova Scotia is excited to announce the sailing Trials for the 2022 Canada Summer Games which will be held August 14-21 in St. Catharine’s, Ontario.
Athletes should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria which can be found in the material below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sail Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia sailors at the Canada Games will be coached by Stephen Waldie. The team will be managed by Sophia Josenhans.
