The Canada Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) welcomed around 12,000 ticketed spectators and more than 35,000 more along the Halifax harbour in June. On Thursday, SailGP released figures showing how much this event impacted the local economy. The 2026 SailGP generated roughly $64.7 million in total economic impact for Halifax, nearly four per cent higher than the 2024 event on the harbour. “The growth was driven in large part by a significant increase in visitors from outside Halifax,” reads a news release from SailGP. More than half of the spectators at this year’s event came from outside of Halifax. Non-local attendance jumped by 31 per cent compared with 2024, generating increased visitor spending 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,” says Sail Nova Scotia president Sarah Flanagan. SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson says the event was a fan favourite for 2026, pointing to the grandstands and people 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,” Thompson says. Don Bureaux, president of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce calls the influx of interest and economic spending an “undeniable success” for the local business community. “I think on the world stage it creates opportunities for other top-class events to come to Halifax. It’s proven we can do it, we are open for business. Let’s attract even more top quality programs here in the city,” says Bureaux. He says the world is filled with uncertainty, but when Halifax can be put on an international stage it provides an immediate injection into the economy. As for the SailGP organizers, Thompson says they chose Halifax as the event’s location for a number of reasons. “We did a competitive bid process within Canada and the real reason we chose Halifax is just a perfect amphitheater for our racing,” he says. “It’s set up so well there is a deep-water harbour in the heart of the city. It’s an iconic destination and we want to have iconic destinations on our calendar.” SailGP is set to return to Halifax next year, confirmed for May 15 to 16, 2027. “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,” he says. Next year, they will add another team to the competition, bringing a total of 14 competitors to the harbour. Tickets are going on sale at the end of October. “We are looking again to go bigger and better,” Thompson says. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Emma Convey For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
