Pointless first patrol ..?

[gevers1]

So, having learned the hard lesson of not sailing through the English Channel after War has broken out, I'm just starting out on my 2nd 'first' Patrol, if you know what I mean.

As I always start my career in 1939, I find that the first patrol is always completely pointless - war has not broken out and everyone is neutral (well, green on the map), so there's nothing (i.e. not allowed) to sink. Accordingly, I cruise to my assigned sector, sail around for a day or so and head home again. All very dull ..

So, here's the thing -

1/ is there a way to start later in 1939 other than august and so avoid that pointless first patrol?
2/ will I be attacked if spotted by a 'neutral' warship?

thanks
/s