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Time running out to grab Sail GP tickets

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Time is running out to get your tickets for the massive international boat race hitting the Halifax harbour this weekend.

With more than 12,000 tickets available, Sail GP has more than doubled the amount on sale after the success of the race in 2024. At the time, they had a bit more than 6,000 tickets, and it sold out in a record-breaking 12 minutes, according to the Sail GP website.

Ben Johnson, the Chief Revenue Officer with the league, says they have not sold out yet, but they expect all the tickets to be gone soon.

“We will definitely sell out of all the final tickets at this point. It’s just a question of whether or not we have a couple left at the very end of the week,” said Johnson.

That is partly because of the great racing from 2024, he added, but also because they have more unique experiences, like seats available on George’s Island.

Sitting there will let you look back onto the Halifax harbour and toward the downtown area. He said that is what he is looking forward to most.

Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby capsize during the second race as Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Giles Scott sail past on Race Day 2 of the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Canada. Sunday 2nd June 2024. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

When the race begins on Saturday and Sunday, 13 catamarans will take over the harbour, each 50 feet long and capable of going more than 100 km/h.

This year there will be one more boat than in 2024, since Sweden has joined the league.

“You saw incredible action in ‘24 with cap sizes and the weather and elements really playing a unique impact on the racing over the weekend,” said Johnson.

City warns traffic will be rough

The city also released a warning on Tuesday about slow traffic this weekend.

Over 1,000 athletes and their families are coming to Halifax and Dartmouth for the competition, the city says in a news release.

With increased traffic congestion, you should plan for extra time to come watch the race if you are heading downtown. They say you can watch for free on the waterfront, as well.

The Alderney and Woodside ferries will be paused daily from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. throughout the competition, from Friday to Sunday.

Shuttle bus service to the Woodside Ferry terminal will be available Friday only, while the shuttle from the Alderney to Water Street terminals will be available all three days.

Argyle Street between Carmichael and Prince will also be closed for free post-race concerts from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

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Halifax launching first fully electric, eco‑friendly water taxi this May

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A new way to cross Halifax Harbour is on the way, as FlyteBoat prepares to launch the city’s first fully electric water taxi service.

The boats will connect key waterfront areas, including Halifax Harbour, downtown Dartmouth, the Islands, and the Northwest Arm. The company says trips can be booked online, with on-demand and scheduled options depending on the time of day, plus pet-friendly service and multiple pick-up points.

Each boat will carry 8 to 12 passengers and will be fully heated and weather protected. Service options include commuter and tourist routes for efficient peak-time service or scenic loops around cultural destinations, while private charters are available for groups and special events.

Inside FlyteBoat’s water taxi. PHOTO: FLYTEBOAT

Topher Kingsley-Williams of FlyteBoat says the service “will offer people a simple way to skip traffic, get across the water faster, and actually enjoy the trip at the same time.” He adds, “if we can take even a small number of cars off the road, that’s a win.”

According to the company, the service will save roughly 285 tonnes of CO2 compared with conventional gas-powered boats, which they say is equivalent to taking about 62 cars off the road for an entire year. Since the fleet is fully electric, the boats won’t emit toxic fumes and will be quieter, reducing riders’ carbon footprint and noise pollution.

FlyteBoat says it will start with three vessels in May 2026, with plans to expand as it works to reduce traffic and emissions across the region.