The Port of Toronto celebrated the 158th annual Beaver Hat Ceremony with the arrival of Seastar’s M/V Cape and its Master, Captain Pero Mikelic.

Originally begun in 1861 as a celebration of the first ship to enter the harbour each year, this annual tradition now celebrates the arrival of the first ocean-going ship of the season, also known as a “saltie”, marking the opening of a vital marine gateway and indicating the beginning of Spring.

It was a great honour for us to be able to speak to Captain Pero Mikelic about this remarkable tradition.

We bring you our interview in its entirety:

 

Captain Mikelic, first of all, congratulations on this great achievement. How do you feel about it?

Thank you very much. I have to admit, it feels great.

 

Your journey started in Guatemala. How long did it take you to sail to Port of Toronto?

It took us three days to get to the Panama Channel. From there it should take another twelve days, but because of bad weather and large waves, I decided to change course so it took us two extra days.

 

And what were you carrying?

18,920 metric tonnes of raw sugar for Redpath Sugar Refinery.

 

Are the Great Lakes as spectacular as they say?

It was my first time at the Great Lakes and I must say, they are truly majestic.

 

Was it your goal to make your ship, M/V Cape, the first saltie to enter the Port this season?

No, it was all unplanned. Sheer coincidence. To be honest, I have never heard of The Beaver Hat Ceremony until now.

 

Really?

Yes, it was all a big surprise for me. A pleasant surprise of course. And now when I look back upon it, I feel very, very honoured.

 

How did the actual ceremony look like?

There were a lot of people and a lot of cameras (smiles).

PortsToronto’s Harbour Master Emeritus Angus Armstrong crowned me with the beaver top hat, which is more than 150-years-old.

I also received a briefcase and $100 which is the tradition from the very beginnings of this ceremony. All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

 

Glad to hear. Will you be heading for Toronto next season then?

(Laughs) Who knows.

We will just have to wait and see who will open the Beaver Hat Ceremony in 2020.