Halifax & Dartmouth Prepare to Welcome ROCKWOOL Canada SailGP

With a racecourse that is visible from both sides of the harbour, Halifax offers one of the best race stadiums on the SailGP circuit. “Spectators will be able to watch the fleet of ten hydro foiling catamarans from vantage points along the Dartmouth and Halifax waterfronts, as well as from the water,” said Frank Denis, Executive Director of Sail Nova Scotia, host organization for the event. This is the first SailGP event to take place in Canadian waters where fans will be able to take in the race and festivities at multiple venues across the city.  

Argyle Street Shore Party

An incredible line up of live entertainment will be staged each evening at the Argyle St. Shore Party - May 31 through 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.  “Nightly post-practice and race day musical performances will serve as the best way to take in award winning artists along with our down-home hospitality,” said Gordon Stevens, COO of the Halifax Partnership.  Restaurant patios along Argyle Street are fully licensed and the street is closed to vehicle traffic. The Shore Party is produced by Halifax Partnership, Discover Halifax, HRM Events, Music NS, DHBC and SailNS.

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 harbor, 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.  “Both of these ships are steeped in our incredible seafaring history and are an attraction for naval enthusiasts, visitors, Nova Scotians and Canadians who like to wear their pride on their sleeves,” said Paula Minnikin, Sail Nova Scotia’s steering group co-chair.  “They both represent a special nod to our boat-building past and, at the same time, help to highlight the benefits of programs like The Boat School at the Maritime Museum that introduces life on the ocean to youth across the region.” 

Red Sky at Night - Sail Nova Scotia’s Fundraiser

The Red Sky at Night event has harnessed the support of the corporate community to increase accessibility and affordability for youth interested in sailing. “It has been incredible to see the number of companies that have embraced the shared goal of this important fundraising event that will kick off a week of activities in the lead up to the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax,” said John Flemming, Sail Nova Scotia’s steering group co-chair. “We know sailing provides a unique opportunity for youth to collaborate and build interpersonal skills through physical training, as well as reaping the mental health benefits of working together and simply being on the water.” 

ROCKWOOL SailGP Quinpool Rd. Mural 

A unique design at the corner of Preston St. and Quinpool Rd. will profile the importance of protecting and restoring our ocean. Lead by local artist, Mike Burt and featuring Dan Burt and Donny Fong – work on the mural will begin on May 20 and is scheduled to be completed by May 27 to kick off race week.  “Quinpool Road’s high visibility as a central corridor to the city provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the environmental stewardship of SailGP,” said Karla Nicholson Executive Director of the Quinpool Rd. Association. “We are so connected to the significance of the ocean in Halifax, and we know this mural will really bring that mission to life in vibrant shapes and colours.”  Everyone is invited to wear blue and join the street party on May 27 at 1100 for the mural unveiling.

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

Join the Canada SailGP Team at Queen’s Marque on Friday, 31 May 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, weCANfoi, 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.

Downtown Dartmouth

“The Dartmouth waterfront provides a very exciting vantage point for the racing and is also host to the SailGP Tech Site at King’s Wharf,” said Tim Rissessco of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission (DDBC). “The waterfront has ample space however, we are recommending that people come early to find parking and get to a good location to take in the action on the harbour.”  The DDBC is producing a family friendly fun zone and viewing area in Ferry Terminal Park for both race days with a giant video wall that will carry the live broadcast to follow along with all of the excitement, a Kiwanis community fundraising BBQ will be available and live music from DJ Douvet that will keep the party going between races. 

On the other side of the ferry terminal visitors to the waterfront can take in the Alderney Landing 19+ Splashzone with additional viewing screens that will carry the broadcast and commentary.  On June 1-2 from 2-6:30 pm the events plaza will feature an exciting boardwalk bar and on-site food trucks, Pop Up Cinema and Mr. Smooth while DJ Magic Mic gets the crowd cheering for the home team. Inside people can visit the Craig Gallery for a special sailboat decorating art cart as well. “It is so exciting to see our harbour showcased internationally like this, we know it will be a busy weekend,” said Bea MacGregor CEO of Alderney Landing.