Halifax Harbour from 20 -21 June was the seventh stop of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, with more than 12,000 ticketed spectators across the weekend and thousands more expected to flock to the waterfront. Now in its second edition, the event cements Halifaxs reputation as Canadas ocean playground and one of SailGPs 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 championship pace-setters, Australia, 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. 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 arrived immediately following the dramatic incident involving the U.S., Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil in New York. SailGPs technical teams have been working around the clock to prepare the fleet, but it will come down to the start of the weekends racing for the final confirmation of which F50s will be on the water.
