Start 11:45. Finish 13:45
Daily distance: 5.8NM
Crew: Nevil, Rachel, Robert & Luke

Our first trip out - exciting and nervous at the same time. Following a briefing on the safety on board, my intent was to sail to Hommersåk so we set off to the east and got the sails up just outside the harbour. The wind was probably bottom end of F4 to start with so we had full sail up and were clipping along nicely as we reached out across the fjord. On clearing the small islands off Storhaug (Lille & Store Marøy) we tightened up to close haul down the fjord towards Sandnes and took in a reef to keep us upright and under control. After tacking onto the starboard tack I was aware of a large blue freighter astern of us, steaming south down the fjord at a considerable rate. Being a sailing vessel in unconstrained waters, and the other vessel being the overtaking vessel, I was confident in my right-of-way so maintained my heading and speed such that it would be easy for them to predict my path and pass clear. Needless to say the expected reaction did not occur and the freighter steamed straight towards us. Concerned at the situation I luffed up and the ship passed a mere 50m or so in front of us. Had I not taken evasive action a collision would have taken place. As the ship passed by there were personnel on the bridge looking down on us so it is clear that they were totally aware of our presence. [I later sent an e-mail to Stavanger Harbour Authority describing this event and asking whether there is any byelaw that made me in the wrong but I have had no response]

This event shook me somewhat although I don't think anybody else realised the seriousness of the situation and not wanting to have a bad experience with strong winds on our first outing I turned for home shortly after. We finished the trip feeling that we had had a nice afternoon out so that is the most important thing.