The Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax delivered high drama as Los Gallos SailGP Team, led by Spanish skipper Diego Botín, secured their first event victory of the 2026 SailGP season after an intense four-boat final.
Competing in challenging conditions with strong winds pushing the fleet to its limits, Los Gallos overcame a difficult path to the final before producing a flawless performance when it mattered most. Botín and his crew surged through the fleet to defeat Artemis SailGP Team, while also holding off strong challenges from the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team and the rest of the finalists.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Spanish team, which has consistently been among the front-runners throughout the season. Following the win, Botín praised his crew’s determination and growing confidence, describing the result as a reward for months of hard work and continuous improvement.
The event attracted more than 12,000 spectators to Halifax, where fans witnessed spectacular racing and dramatic moments across the fleet. Among the incidents was damage sustained by the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, which forced them out of competition, while Mubadala Brazil also suffered a costly penalty following contact with a race mark.
With the Halifax victory, Los Gallos move into second place in the overall Rolex SailGP Championship standings, level on points with Emirates Great Britain and continuing their pursuit of championship leaders BONDS Flying Roos.
The result further strengthens Spain’s position as one of the strongest contenders in the 2026 SailGP season, with momentum now firmly on the side of Diego Botín and his crew as the championship heads to its next stop.
