New sailors get introduced to flying hydrofoil boats ahead of Halifax SailGP

The WeCANFoil program is introducing people to foil sailing this week on the Halifax Harbour. (Jesse Thomas/CTV News Atlantic)

Before the world’s fastest sailboats take over Halifax Harbour for SailGP this weekend, there’s an initiative with local sailing organizations inviting the public to try foil sailing.

The Foil4All program is running all week and is looking to introduce foil sailing to those who are interested. It’s part of an international program called WeCANFoil.

“Foil4ALL is really about providing access to the sport for those who normally wouldn’t have the chance to get out on the water,” said Tara Macaulay, chairperson with Foil4All.

The hull of a traditional sailboat will stay in the water and create resistance but in hydro foiling, the boats use the wind to gain speed, which lifts the hull of the boat out of the water and gives sailors a lift and the sensation of flying.

“It’s not like anything I’ve experienced,” said Jordan Thompson, a volunteer with the Atlantic Boat School, who was among a group of people trying out the sport this week.

Olivia Caloia is more accustomed to sailing on tall ships like the Bluenose II or more traditional keel-class boats, so the foil experience offered her a unique experience on the water.

“It’s a lot different than what I’m used to,” said Caloia. “And we got the full Nova Scotia experience with all the fog today.”

For some participants, the event marked a major milestone.

Recent Dalhousie University graduate Semilore Kayode had never been sailing before, or even swimming, before he stepped aboard the foil boat.

“At first when I fell in the water, I thought it was over,” said Kayode.

But after getting back on the boat, he said his confidence grew quickly.

“After, I felt a lot more comfortable and at ease on the water,” he said.

Organizers say the goal is to attract more people to the water and get them trying the sport. If one or two people decide to join a sailing club after the experience, then it was all worth it, said Macaulay.

“We live on an ocean playground,” said Macaulay. “If we can present that to as many people as possible and grow our clubs and the sport, then that’s perfect.”

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page