The non-sailing visitors and new sailors are often surprised about the speed of these big
cargo ships. They appear on the horizon far, far away, and than suddenly they are so close
and intimidating in their size. They move at 30 knots with ease, while a 35-40 foot yacht
might move at some 6-8 knots under engine. The speed relation is 5:1 or even 6:1. It is
almost like encountering a large track driving at 325 mph or more. All sailors must anticipate
the speed, power and the inertia of such large vessels and stay well out of their way.