REPORT: Aussies Successfully Navigate Changeable Day 1 In Halifax

Day 1 of the Canada Sail Grand Prix serves up constant change and unpredictability with Australia best in class once more

Published 06/20/2026

Day 1 of the Canada Sail Grand Prix belonged to the BONDS Flying Roos who navigated tough and changeable conditions in Halifax Harbor better than anyone.

Ahead of racing, the Race Committee took the decision to split the fleet into two groups in order reduce congestion on a tight racecourse, while ensuring safe, competitive racing.

The U.S. SailGP Team was placed in Group B, along with Emirates GBR, Artemis, Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank, Red Bull Italy and Explora Swiss. Five points were to be awarded for a win, down to a single point for P5. The top two teams from each group would advance to Sunday’s four-team Final.

Proceedings began with a false start as Race 1A was declared null and void. The BONDS Flying Roos looked to have taken the win but narrowly missed getting across the line inside the nine-minute time limit.

That meant a do-over with crews reduced to four due to light-air conditions. New rules introduced for this event meant two athletes had to be tethered behind the wheel, making the strategist’s participation mandatory while removing both grinders in a four-up configuration.

Australian driver Tom Slingsby would have felt justice was served in the re-do as his crew edged out the Black Foils to take P1 and five points. The Kiwis marked their return to action by crossing the start line first but were just pipped at the finish line, holding off Los Gallos in P3.

A brilliant start from Taylor Canfield and the U.S. SailGP Team had the Crew leading until Leg 4 of Race 1B. But with the U.S. SailGP Team parked at the mark, Explora Swiss took over and never looked back, holding off Artemis to take maximum points. For the U.S. SailGP Team, P5 felt like a scant reward for such a strong first half of the race.

Another nailbiting finish followed in Race 2A with Australia edging out New Zealand at the line to complete a perfect day with 10 points. The Kiwis continued their impressive return following the collision in Auckland by going 3-2, while DS Automobiles France came home in P3.

Everyone was late to the line in the final race of a truncated Day 1, but it was Nathan Outteridge and Artemis who took control. Emirates GBR were close behind at M1 and it stayed that way throughout with the Swedes securing the win in a photo finish.

Sébastien Schneiter and the Swiss clinched another top-three finish, while the U.S. SailGP Team took P6.

Racing resumes on Sunday at 4pm ADT with another two races for each group. The top two teams in each group will make a four-team Final. Make sure to follow along with the U.S. SailGP Team live blog.

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