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SailGP Halifax

Halifax days away from global sailing event

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An international sailing event is just days away from making a splash on the Halifax Harbour.

Sail GP will be here this weekend and some tickets are left.

It features 13, 50-foot catamarans from all over the world that race around the harbour, reaching up to 100 km/h.

This is the second time the event has come here since 2024. It brought tens of thousands of people to the waterfront and generating $45 million for the economy. It was a record-breaking sellout, as well, with tickets totally gone in just 12 minutes, according to Sail GP.

That is why they are setting up more seats this year.

The Halifax boardwalk has turned into a construction zone as crews build the Grandstand and the waterfront boardwalk viewing area. According to a news release from Build Nova Scotia, the boardwalk is still accessible, except for the ticketed seatings areas, which include:

  • Foundation Wharf
  • Salter Boardwalk
  • Cable Wharf
  • The end of Sackville Wharf
  • The Helipad
  • A portion of Salter Lot

Once the final pre-event and the live race begin, pedestrian access to the boardwalk will shift to a pedestrian tunnel that runs through the race stadium structure.

Argyle Street will also close Friday afternoon for live music and events to go alongside the races.

SailGP runs June 20 and 21.

SailGP Halifax

N.S. arts group slams premier for $1M SailGP

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The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition is slamming the province for going ahead for the second time with a global sailing event in Halifax after hundreds of cuts to arts and culture.

SailGP brings 12 teams from around the world with 50-foot catamarans to zip around Halifax Harbour. The competition drew tens of thousands to the waterfront in 2024 and is scheduled again for this June.

Chris O’Neil tells Acadia News although the arts coalition firmly believes in the power of tourism and special events to help create economic benefit, this one should not proceed.

“The reality is that granting $1 million on a one weekend yacht race, one started by a billionaire, is a terrible decision when the government is simultaneously cutting grants to arts, culture, tourism and heritage,” says O’Neil in a statement.

Many programs and services were cut in the spring budget as the province faced a $1.2 million deficit.

O’Neil says, Nova Scotia should prioritize spending money on individuals and organizations that provide “significant benefit year-round”.

“We don’t oppose sailing or Sail Nova Scotia, but when we are told that grants to teach arts in schools are completely eliminated because the government says everyone has to do their share. The question becomes, how is this race for one weekend doing its share,” asks O’Neil.

“The Nova Scotia Arts Coalition does not believe the government should be putting us all into a hunger games scenario,” says O’Neil.

Meanwhile, the province says they look forward to welcoming SailGP back this year.

“The 2024 Canada Sail Grand Prix attracted more than 50,000 spectators to Halifax and generated millions in economic activity,” says Communications Advisor Meredith Hand in an email.

Hand says, according to SailGP, the event made more than $31 million in direct economic impact.

The competition is slated for the Halifax waterfront June 20-21.