An unforgettable homecoming for the NorthStar SailGP Team at the Canada Sail Grand Prix
by NorthStar SailGP Team 21 Jun 16:58 PDT
June 20-21, 2026
NORTHSTAR SailGP Team driven by Giles Scott crosses the finish line in front of the grandstand on Race Day 2 of the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, Canada © Jonathan Nackstrand for SailGP
The NorthStar SailGP Team celebrated an unforgettable homecoming this weekend as thousands of fans lined the Halifax waterfront for the Canada Sail Grand Prix on June 20-21, transforming the city into a spectacular stage for the world's most exciting racing on water.
Against the backdrop of Halifax Harbour, Canadian fans turned out in extraordinary numbers, filling the Race Stadium and lining the shoreline, boardwalks, parkades and surrounding waterfront to cheer on Canada's team. The atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected the city's deep connection to the ocean and demonstrated Nova Scotia's ability to host world-class international sporting events.
The NorthStar SailGP Team extends its sincere thanks to the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality, Sail Nova Scotia and the volunteers, partners and the countless individuals whose collaboration made SailGP's return to Halifax such a resounding success.
"I'm just so, so glad for all of Halifax that the weather played ball today and we had an epic day of racing," said Scott. "It was amazing to be a part of it. A bit disappointing that we couldn't crawl up anymore given our day yesterday but that is what it is. We ended on a high today."
Racing this weekend was split into two fleets, with Canada in Fleet A, competing against Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Spain and Brazil. After an uneventful day one, with very light air conditions, the Canadian team had put only one point on the leaderboard. Going into Super Sunday, NorthStar needed to reset. With 27.5M wings and racing moved ahead two hours to capture the best wind conditions, the team went out with a vengeance. Backed by the home crowd, the Canadians stepped up and took two second place finishes today to finish 8th overall.
In the week leading up to the event, the team's Race For The Future partner, weCANfoil, delivered the third edition of FOIL4ALL, welcoming hundreds of participants to experience foiling firsthand at The Boat School at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Running from June 13-21, FOIL4ALL introduced youth, families and community members to one of sailing's fastest-growing disciplines through accessible, hands-on experiences designed to build confidence and inspire the next generation of sailors.
NorthStar SailGP Team athletes also participated in community programming throughout the week, including boatbuilding activities at The Boat School, an Accessible Sailing Day with SailAble, women's foiling initiatives, youth engagement through SailGP Inspire and leadership events celebrating women in high-performance sport and the marine industry.
"It is the perfect storm when you have a city that has a deep maritime heritage and you bring the best sailors in the world and a world-class event to that city," said Dr. Greg Bailey, Executive Chairman for the NorthStar SailGP Team. "The enthusiasm we saw throughout race week—from FOIL4ALL and SailGP Inspire through to the incredible crowds lining the harbour—showed what's possible when an entire community embraces an event. Thank you, Halifax, thank you to the Province of Nova Scotia, and thank you to our community partners and every individual who made our home event so memorable."
As the Canada Sail Grand Prix concludes, the NorthStar SailGP Team leaves Halifax with lasting memories of an extraordinary home event and renewed appreciation for the passion of Canadian sailing fans.
The team now looks ahead to the next event in Portsmouth, UK on 25-26 June.