Australia's Bonds Flying Roos and Artemis Racing laid down early markers on the opening day of the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax Harbour. A challenging day of shifty and unpredictable winds saw the 13-boat SailGP fleet split into two groups, each contesting two fleet races on the shoreline racecourse.
Australia emerged as the standout performer. Tom Slingsby's crew completed a perfect two-from-two scoreline after winning both of their races in Group A.
The Flying Roos had earlier crossed the finish line first in an opening race that was later abandoned after exceeding the race time limit. They quickly made amends by winning the restart and backing it up with victory in the day's second points-scoring race. "It was a tough day, but we adapted as well as we could, so we're happy," said Slingsby. "Every time we made a decision it went our way."
Early Advantage — Tom Slingsby's Bonds Flying Roos lead NorthStar Canada during pre-event training in Halifax. Australia carried that form into racing with a perfect two-win opening day. Photo: Jason Ludlow
Spain's Los Gallos finished second in the opening race ahead of New Zealand's Black Foils, who returned to competition after a four-month absence.
The Kiwis showed encouraging pace throughout the day and head into Sunday's racing second in Group A after finishing third and second. "It's definitely super tricky to get back in, but it's awesome being back," said New Zealand driver Peter Burling.
Group B produced Switzerland's breakthrough moment of the season. Sébastien Schneiter's team claimed its first race victory of 2026 after a series of well-timed overtakes in the day's opening contest. "It was a good step forward for us in those conditions," said Schneiter.
The second Group B race developed into a close duel between Artemis Racing and Emirates GBR. Artemis driver Nathan Outteridge edged out the British crew by metres at the finish to secure victory and top the Group B standings. "That finish was closer than we wanted it to be," said Outteridge. "Pretty solid day considering how tough the conditions were."
Flying High — Nathan Outteridge steers Artemis through the spray on Race Day 1 in Halifax, where the Swedish team topped Group B after a dramatic opening day of SailGP racing. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand
The opening day attracted more than 6,000 ticketed spectators, with thousands more watching from vantage points around Halifax Harbour. Home team NorthStar Canada endured a difficult afternoon, recording sixth and fifth-place finishes in their two races. Racing resumes on Sunday with the leading teams aiming to secure places in the event final.
