What happens when extreme sailing takes over a Canadian coastal city

Picture of Canada’s Northstar Sail GP vessel, taken from Halifax (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV News)

HALIFX - Peter Steeper’s photography club arrived early on the shores of Halifax Harbour to grab pictures of the Sail GP practice heats.

“This is incredible to watch,” said Steeper.

Sail GP is an international grand prix event that features 13 teams from around the world, including Canada’s Northstar Sail GP Team.

Races this weekend will see the hydrofoil catamarans reach speeds of 100 km/h. As the sailing vessels increase their speed, the hulls will lift above the water adding a visual element for those who watch.

Organizers expect crowds to top 50,000 on the weekend to watch the races

“It’s excellent for the local people, and it brings people in from all over the place,” said Steeper.

Like Bryher Mason from Devon England, who is here watching the races with her husband.

“It’s a great way to show off the city, the water, the blue sea and the blue sky,” said Steeper. “It couldn’t be better really.”

Other host cities on the Sail GP tour include Rio de Janeiro, New York and Auckland, New Zealand.

The last time Sail GP races were held in Halifax, was two years ago and the event generated millions in economic impact.

More than 20 million are expected to watch on TV and multiple digital platforms, providing global exposure for the city.

“We heard that after 2024 hosting in Halifax, this venue in that whole year of sailing, (out of) all those cities, was voted the fan favoured as a hosting location,” said Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore.

Sail GP is also an opportunity to grow the sport and strengthen the sailing legacy in N.S.

Registration for instructional programs is on the rise, and the Canadian team members are introducing hydrofoil sailing to young sailors.

“We have ‘Foil for All’, which is young people that we are seeing trying foiling for the first time,” said Northstar Sail GP team strategist Annie Haeger.

This is the first year of back-to-back stops in Halifax for Sail GP. The Grand Prix will return in 2027.