A large gathering of boat enthusiasts (or ‘boat nerds’ as they sometimes call themselves) gathered on the observation deck of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to watch American Century be the first vessel to pass through the locks as the canal officially opened at 12:01 a.m. Sunday for the 2018 shipping season.
American Century is a 1,000 feet long, 105 feet wide self-unloading freighter owned and operated by the American Steamship Company.
The freighter passed through the locks shortly after midnight, heading off into Lake Superior.
Patrick and Barbara Harvey of Columbiaville, Michigan (near Flint), regular visitors to the area in the summer months, travelled up to the Michigan Sault to witness the official annual opening of the Locks for the first time, bundled up in blankets but wearing big smiles.
“I grew up in the Detroit area so I used to see the boats go past on the Detroit River, so everywhere we’ve gone I’ve tried to see boats,” Patrick said, speaking to SooToday.
“It’s a big deal, very prestigious to be the first ship to pass through the Locks,” said Sault, Ontario photographer Andrea Guerriero.
Linda Hoath, Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) executive director, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Chamber of Commerce officials greeted American Century’s Captain Bruce Dunlap and his crew earlier in the evening.
“We greet the first ship of the season every year, but this year it’s even more special because it’s the 350th anniversary of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. We presented them with a plaque, and first ship hats for the whole crew,” Hoath said.
“This is huge. I say it’s like the beginning of summer. To be able to walk out of your office and be able to see freighters in the water, that’s what it’s all about,” Hoath said.