On April 24, 2024, an Information Session was held for the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) Halifax.

Here are a few highlights from that session to keep in mind as we move closer to the official event date of June 1-2:
 

• The Halifax Waterfront will be the home of the SailGP Race Stadium and will serve as both the pre- and post-racing event hub. Thousands of participants and spectators will pass through this area during the timeframe of the event.
   
• On June 1 & 2, the Race Stadium will be open from 3:00 – 6:30 pm, with the Race Times taking place from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

Official SailGP Weekend Schedule

• RACE DAY 1 | SATURDAY, JUNE 1: Race Times: 4:00-5:30 pm
• RACE DAY 2 | SUNDAY, JUNE 2: Race Times: 4:00-5:30 pm

• The races will take place between Georges Island and the MacDonald Bridge, with the SailGP tech site located at King’s Wharf in Dartmouth (see updated map below).
   
• Events will start around May 28 with practice racing in the harbour on May 28 & 29, and other events taking place May 30 & 31 (stay tuned for a full schedule of events coming soon).
   
• The Salter Lot on the Waterfront will not be available for parking the week of May 27 as it is being used by the SailGP team (see below for parking ideas under "Getting Around").
   
• Ferry service (both the Alderney and Woodside) will be closed during the races. Shuttles will be set up to take people to and from Dartmouth during the race times (more information below under "Getting Around").

We will keep updating this page and sharing information as we get closer to the event. In the meantime, you can check out the FAQs for SailGP Halifax here.

Interested in getting your business/organization involved? Here are some ideas for getting involved:

Marketing Toolkit

Review the Marketing Toolkit for businesses provided by the team at SailGP for ideas and guidelines on how to activate your business/organization for SailGP.

Posters & Window Decals:

DHBC will be distributing posters (8.5x11 & A3) and window decals to DHBC members the week of May 6. The files are also available to download here:

SailGP Halifax Poster - 8.5x11

SailGP Halifax Poster - A3 (approx. 11x16.5)

SailGP Decal 

SailGP Promotions

Consider offering special SailGP-themed promotions (special drinks, merchandise, experiences, etc.) for both participants and spectators.

Host Special SailGP-themed Events

Hosting any events in the Downtown area for SailGP? Get the word out by adding them to our online events calendar (they will also be featured in our twice weekly "What's Happening Downtown" newsletter).

Canadian Swag

As this is the first time that SailGP has taken place in Canada, show your support for Team Canada by hanging Canadian flags, bunting, etc., in and around your business; or welcome all the teams to your establishment by flying the flags of all 10 participating teams (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and USA).

Show the SailGP races on your TV Screens

Show the Races on your television screens and/or host watch parties for your patrons or employees. CTV Atlantic (CTV2) and TSN will be showing the races, but you can also stream the races on SailGP’s YouTube and Facebook.

"Cheer Here" Program for Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants and bars are being encouraged to participate in the "Cheer Here" program. Venues that show the SailGP broadcast in their establishments and offer weekend specials for sailing fans should clearly show the SailGP decal and/or posters in their front door/windows so patrons know where they can watch the races. If you do decide to show the races on your screens, use the tag #CheerHereSGP in your social posts. 

Follow on Social Media

Follow SailGP on Instagram, Facebook, and X, follow Canada’s SailGP Team on Instagram, and tag #CanadaSGP and #DowntownHalifax in your posts so they can be shared.

Wondering what you can and can't do & say in regards to the SailGP brand and logo? See pages 18-19 of the Marketing Toolkit

Parking

As traffic will be heavier than usual in the week leading up to and during the SailGP event, encourage your employees and patrons to make their parking plan before they come Downtown:

Downtown Halifax

Spring Garden Road Area

Downtown Dartmouth

Taking Transit

Bus routes are anticipated to run on schedule with ferry services suspended for the race periods – both ferries will be suspended from 2:00 - 6:30 on May 31, June 1 and 2 for this event.

Metro Transit will be providing additional express shuttles for ferry riders during the race periods to ensure people make their connections at Alderney and/or Woodside terminals. Express shuttles will run in rotation with pick up points at the Water St., Alderney and Woodside terminals.  Any amendments or schedule revisions will be updated on the Metro Transit website @ Halifax Transit | Bus | Schedules | Routes | Ferries | Halifax  – as well as on X -- @HFXtransit  on X (twitter.com).

More information about public transportation can be found here.

An incredible line up of FREE live entertainment will be staged each evening at the Argyle Street Shore Party - May 31 to June 2 from 6:30-10:00 pm.

Each evening will feature a schedule of marquee artists including Ria Mae, Neon Dreams, Adam Baldwin, Rankin MacInnis and the Broken Reeds. 

Restaurant patios along Argyle Street are fully licensed and the street is closed to vehicle traffic. 

The Shore Party is being produced by Halifax Partnership, Discover Halifax, HRM Events, Music Nova Scotia, DHBC, and Sail Nova Scotia. Shore Party sponsors include Atlantic Lotto, Maritime Broadcasting, Dobel Tequila, Labatt, NS Spirit Co, Red Bull, HRM, and Durty Nelly’s.

All Aboard at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for The Boat School, Bluenose II and HMCS Oriole 

In addition to the festival atmosphere and high-adrenaline action on the harbour, for people who want to connect with our nautical history, the Bluenose II and HMCS Oriole will be docked in front of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic all weekend.  

Canada SailGP Team Outdoor Film Night / Friday, 31 May – Meet the Team

Join the Canada SailGP Team at Queen’s Marque on Friday, May 31 from 8:00 - 9:00 pm for premiere of the team’s Season 3 documentary.  This is a chance to meet the team and learn about the hurdles the team has overcome to be the team they are today. Come early to save your seat and bring popcorn!

Foil4All

The Canada SailGP Team’s foiling pathway program, weCANfoil, is internally renowned and will be hosting foiling demos and clinics in the lead up to the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax. Those curious to try foiling can join a demo session, while more advanced sailors will be taking part in raining clinics and the foiling coaches clinic. The Foil4All programme organized by weCANfoil will be based on the Halifax Waterfront.

Stay tuned for more information about SailGP and all the surrounding events over the coming weeks!

Learn more about ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix here.

Interesting in learning more about SailGP? Visit sailgp.com.