The BONDS Flying Roos have topped the event leaderboard after an unprecedented opening day at the Canada Sail Grand Prix. Despite an unusual start, where the Australians crossed the finish line first only to have the race abandoned and restarted, Tom Slingsby’s crew bounced back immediately. The Aussies secured back-to-back race wins in tricky conditions to lead Group A heading into Super Sunday, where they chase a remarkable fourth consecutive event victory.
Day two will also feature SailGP’s first-ever, winner-takes-all four-boat Podium Final.
The 13-boat fleet was divided into two groups based on championship standings, with all teams battling erratic conditions on Halifax Harbour. Equipped with the 24-metre wings, high-speed rudders and foils, crews were challenged to maximise every opportunity in the changing breeze.
The day’s action got off to an unusual start when the opening Group A race was abandoned after the BONDS Flying Roos crossed the finish line first – just moments after the nine-minute time limit expired – prompting SailGP race officials to order a restart.
It was a speedy redemption for the Australians and the fierce trans-Tasman rivalry was on full display as Tom Slingsby’s crew came out firing in the re-sail, overtaking the Black Foils on the opening leg before pulling ahead to claim the first official race win of the day for points.
With only two races completed due to the challenging conditions, the Aussies made the most of the shortened schedule, securing back-to-back victories to finish day one at the top of the Halifax leaderboard.
Tom Slingsby, BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team Driver and CEO, said: “It felt like we were sort of scrambling all day, and the whole race committee was scrambling. We were trying to get all the races in but it was a tough day, but we adapted as well as we could have so we’re happy.”
Following four event victories from six events this season, the BONDS Flying Roos remain the championship leaders and will look to extend their dominance on day two in Halifax as they chase a fourth consecutive SailGP event victory.
Speaking to the conditions, Slingsby added: “Everyone knows that historically we’re a heavy-wind team. We like it when there are stronger winds but to get these wins in this light air, it feels good.”
Super Sunday will feature SailGP’s first-ever four-boat Podium Final, with the top two teams from Group A and Group B progressing to the winner-takes-all decider.
Australian fans can catch all the action live from 5:00am AEST, Monday 22 June on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
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2026 ROLEX SAILGP CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR //
- January 17-18 – Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG
- February 14-15 – ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland
- February 28 – March 1 – KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
- April 11-12 – Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
- May 9-10 – Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
- May 30-31- Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
- June 20-21 – Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax
- July 25-27 – Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth
- August 22-24 – Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz
- September – Spain Sail Grand Prix | Valencia
- September 12-13 – ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez
- November 21-22 – Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by DP World
- November 28-29 – Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
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