Halifax Harbour produced a finish that will linger in the memory from day one of the 2026 SailGP Halifax regatta, with Artemis edging Emirates GBR by 1.6 seconds in Group B's second race. Nathan Outteridge's Swedish-flagged crew was measured and precise throughout, holding off a fast-finishing Dylan Fletcher in the closest result of the entire opening day.
The final race of day one was decided almost before it began. The United States crew pushed too hard in the pre-start phase, an overly aggressive manoeuvre that left Taylor Canfield's boat buried at the back of the fleet with nowhere to go and unable to fight back into contention as the race unfolded.
| Pos | Team | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artemis | Nathan Outteridge | 5 PTS |
| 2 | Emirates GBR | Dylan Fletcher | 4 PTS |
| 3 | Explora Journeys Swiss | Sebastien Schneiter | 3 PTS |
| 4 | Germany by Deutsche Bank | Erik Heil | 2 PTS |
| 5 | Red Bull Italy | Phil Robertson | 1 PTS |
| 6 | U.S. SailGP Team | Taylor Canfield | 0 PTS |
From the gun, Artemis nailed the start and led the fleet around Mark 1, with Emirates GBR shadowing closely. What followed through the middle gates was a sustained foiling duel, Outteridge and Fletcher matching each other move for move, each waiting for the other to blink and lose boat speed in the process. When the two boats turned for home, Fletcher took Emirates GBR wide to build pace before bearing down hard into Artemis's dirty air, searching for any gap he could exploit. There was none to be found. Artemis held firm and crossed the line 1.6 seconds clear.
For New Zealand sailing fans, Artemis carries a particular attraction despite racing under the Swedish flag. Two Kerikeri-born athletes, Andy Maloney and Brad Farrand, sail alongside Australian Olympic champion Outteridge, giving the boat a strong Kiwi connection as attention turns to Sunday's racing.
Day two brings two further fleet races before the final, and the standings suggest an Oceania-dominated showdown could be on the cards. Tom Slingsby's Bonds Flying Roos top Group A on 10 points, with the Black Foils sitting second on 7, a solid return from their first competitive outing after a four-month break. In Group B, Artemis lead on 9 points after combining a Race 1 podium with this victory, with Switzerland close behind on 8.
Whichever combinations make the final, New Zealand has plenty to cheer. The Black Foils are well placed for what would be a meaningful comeback appearance, and an Artemis crew with genuine Kiwi roots is setting the pace in Group B.
