Billed as 'the most exciting racing on water' could be coming to Canada in 2023/2024 as part of SailGP Season 4. Following a very competitive domestic bid process, with interest from over ten potential host cities, SailGP has announced that the following four cities are on the short list:
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Kingston, Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec
- Victoria, British Columbia
A SailGP event in Canada would place the successful host city on the world stage attracting visitors from around the globe and across the country. It would also generate significant economic impact, enliven the sailing community and produce international media coverage that would elevate the host city as an iconic waterfront destination alongside San Francisco, Saint-Tropez, Sydney and Copenhagen which are currently part of the world tour.
Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, said: “It’s a great testament to the impressive growth of our championship to see so much interest from coast to coast in hosting the first Canada Sail Grand Prix event. We’re already seeing incredible support for the Canadian team after just one event, from fans all over the globe. Having personally enjoyed racing in Canada on a number of occasions, I know that Canada is a nation with a passion for high level sport and I look forward to what should become an outstanding annual event on our championship calendar.”
For Fred Pye, Founder of the Canada SailGP Team, hosting an event in Canada would have a generational impact on the sport. “Our vision is to create a catalyst for the growth and fan accessibility of the sport of sailing in Canada. Bringing a SailGP event to Canada for the first time, on home waters, would be an extraordinary experience for Canadian fans and our athletes.”
The shortlisted host cities will attend the SailGP event in Chicago next weekend. The selection process will draw to a close in late October, giving the winning city time to prepare for the event in 2023/2024.
Following on from a podium finish in the team’s inaugural event in Bermuda last month, the Canada SailGP Team will compete next in the United States Sail Grand Prix Chicago at Navy Pier on 18-19 June. Racing will be broadcast live on TSN in Canada and YouTube, with highlights also shown on RDS and TSN immediately following the event.
