Halifax Hosts SailGP As Championship Battle Heats Up

18th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Fleet Focus — International SailGP teams line up ahead of another high-speed showdown as Halifax hosts the seventh round of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship Credit: SailGP

SailGP returns to Halifax Harbour this weekend as the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship reaches a pivotal stage. More than 12,000 ticketed spectators are expected across 20-21 June, with thousands more gathering along the waterfront for the seventh event of the season. The Canadian venue, hosting SailGP for a second time, is renowned for its challenging Atlantic conditions and close-to-shore racing. Identical F50 foiling catamarans can reach speeds approaching 100km/h.

Australia's Bonds Flying Roos, Emirates GBR and Spain's Los Gallos race for position during the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship season. The leading teams arrive in Halifax separated by crucial championship points. Photo: SailGP

Championship leaders Australia's Bonds Flying Roos arrive in Nova Scotia with momentum on their side after three consecutive event victories. Led by Tom Slingsby, the Australians hold an 11-point advantage over Emirates GBR and will be aiming to strengthen their grip on the standings.

Canada's NorthStar SailGP Team will be looking to capitalise on home waters. Driver Giles Scott and Halifax native Billy Gooderham, serving as flight controller, head into the event after the team's first event final appearance of the season in New York.

One of the weekend's major storylines is the return of New Zealand's Black Foils. Peter Burling's crew will race for the first time in four months following damage sustained during a high-speed crash in Auckland. The team's return adds another contender to an increasingly competitive championship battle.

New Zealand's Black Foils return to SailGP competition after a four-month absence, adding another title contender to the fleet as the championship reaches its midpoint. Photo: SailGP

Questions also remain over the availability of several F50S following a dramatic multi-boat incident involving the United States, Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil teams in New York. SailGP's technical crews have been working to prepare the fleet ahead of racing.

With the season approaching its halfway point, every point could prove crucial in the race to qualify for the championship's later stages. The Halifax event will be broadcast internationally, including coverage on TNT Sports in the UK and TSN in Canada.

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