Halifax's harbour-side bet on SailGP is paying off. The 2026 Canada Sail Grand Prix generated $64.7 million CAD in total economic impact, a near 4% increase on the 2024 event held in the same waters.
That figure comes from an economic-impact assessment commissioned by SailGP and carried out by Deloitte. The report pointed to a sharp rise in visitors from outside Halifax as the main driver of growth, with non-local spectator numbers up 31%.
Racing took place on Halifax Harbour in June. Around 12,000 official ticketed spectators attended, with thousands more lining the shoreline across the weekend as 13 national teams raced SailGP's F50 catamarans.
The event put Halifax's waterfront on display to a global audience, with maritime heritage and sailing culture central to the city's pitch.
Halifax Harbour has become known on the SailGP circuit for its close-to-shore racecourse. The F50s can top speeds of 100 km/h, giving spectators a view of the racing that few other venues can match.
"The event was, once again, one of the fan favourites in 2026 with one of our biggest grandstands and thousands more lining the shoreline," said SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson. "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."
Sarah Flanagan, Sail Nova Scotia President, echoed that sentiment. "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," she said.
SailGP will return to Halifax for the Canada Sail Grand Prix on 15-16 May 2027, part of what the Rolex SailGP Championship is calling its most ambitious global season calendar yet.
With the numbers trending upward and the city's profile rising with them, Halifax looks set to remain a fixture on SailGP's calendar for some time to come.
