From SailGP:

The 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix generated an estimated $64.7 million CAD ($46.3 million USD) in total economic impact for Halifax, a nearly 4 percent increase compared with the 2024 event, according to an economic-impact assessment commissioned by SailGP and conducted by Deloitte.

The growth was driven in large part by a significant increase in visitors from outside Halifax. Non-local spectator attendance increased 31 percent compared with 2024, with 55 percent of the 2026 event audience traveling from outside Halifax, generating increased visitor-related spending across the city and region.

The findings highlight the contribution of major international sporting events to Nova Scotia’s visitor economy and demonstrate SailGP’s ability to attract audiences from across the region while driving spending with local businesses and suppliers.

SailGP boats race past the grandstand on the Halifax waterfront. (Jonathan Nackstrand for SailGP)

Andrew Thompson, SailGP Managing Director, said: “SailGP brings the world’s best athletes and a truly global audience together in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including Halifax as a place of pride on the Rolex SailGP Championship calendar. The event was, once again, one of the fan favorites in 2026 with one of our biggest grandstands and thousands more lining the shoreline. It was great to demonstrate how SailGP working closely with the city and region can attract visitors, generate meaningful local spending and showcase Halifax and Nova Scotia to audiences around the world while also throwing a rocking party in the city. We’re proud to work with the fantastic local businesses, suppliers and stakeholders in and around Halifax, and look forward to the warm welcome when we return in May 2027.”

Sarah Flanagan, Sail Nova Scotia President, said: “The Canada Sail Grand Prix showcases what makes Halifax and Nova Scotia such a special place for sailing, while bringing new visitors to our waterfront and supporting businesses across the region. The 31 percent increase in non-local spectators is a strong indication of the event’s growing reach and its ability to attract people from beyond our community. We’re proud to see Halifax’s maritime culture showcase on the world stage and to be part of an event that creates meaningful connections between our sport, our city and visitors.”

Boats cross the finish line in front of the grandstand on Halifax Harbour. (Jonathan Nackstrand for SailGP)

Held on Halifax Harbour in June, the 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix welcomed around 12,000 official ticketed spectators and thousands more along the harbour across race weekend as 13 national teams competed aboard SailGP’s high-performance F50 catamarans. The event brought a global audience to Halifax and showcased the city’s waterfront, maritime heritage and sailing culture. With SailGP’s F50s capable of speeds exceeding 100 km/h, Halifax Harbour provided a unique close-to-shore racecourse, giving spectators an up-close view of some of the most exciting racing on water.

SailGP will return to Halifax next year with the Canada Sail Grand Prix confirmed for May 15-16, 2027 as part of the Rolex SailGP Championship’s most ambitious global season calendar to date. Fans interested in attending the 2027 event can sign up for SailGP+ at SailGP.com/Halifax to receive early access and exclusive pricing on tickets.

Related: SailGP brings big crowds, big money and global exposure back to Halifax

Source: SailGP news release, Oct. 1, 2026

Featured photo: spectators watch the racing from the Halifax waterfront. (Jed Jacobsohn for SailGP)