The final day of racing brings it all home. The schooner crews enjoy themselves out on the water for a final day of safe sailing. Of course, fine weather is always appreciated, but what really thrills a schooner captain is plenty of good ol’ NS wind!

Each morning at the skipper’s meeting on the wharf, the previous day’s race results are shared. We then determine which course to race based on the weather, wind strength, and other variables. Crews are always eager to get back to their boats and out into the Bay.

The Female Skipper Race brings out the real rivalry as women compete for the Willa Creighton Memorial Trophy, created over a decade ago by postmistress Rochelle Whynot from Riverport. Captain Val Doan, a Master Mariner and international sailor, has won this beautiful trophy for two years in a row, on Rencontre (2024) and on Comet II (2025). Can anyone beat Captain Doan this year?

Old rivalries are reignited. The NS schooners will be trying to beat Blackbird all week, a 40-foot schooner joining us this year from the US. Finally, we’ll have a chance to win back the Halifax Herald—International Schooner Race Trophy!

This race competes on Racecourse #11—Galloping to Ringdove

Sailing students from the new Africville Sailing School will be racing with us. See a dozen schooners leave the cove for a day of competition and adventure on St. Margaret’s Bay.

This race competes on Racecourse #2

Our media sponsor, COVE FM, and NSSA social media will announce the daily racecourses, best land-sighting points, and daily race results for each race all week.

This race competes on Racecourse #3

Watch our social media for the best vantage points to view racing boats for each race.

We invite you to come down to the Hubbards Community Waterfront to meet our schooners, captains and crews. Learn about our boats, the history of schooners in NS and volunteer opportunities to get involved in restoring schooners. With live traditional Scottish Celtic music by The Corbies, the festivities, refreshments and fun continue all afternoon on the dock. Sunday, August 2 from 1–5 pm.