New technology :
Rutters
Back in the day, when the mysteries of establishing Longitude caused many a headache and many more lost ships, a most highly prized officer was the skilled Navigator, or Pilot. Aided by their trusty 'Rutters', these knowledgeable folk guided their fleets across the seas, avoiding dangers and delay.
The 'Rutter' was a log-book, containing all the fruits of their observations : weather patterns, landmarks, bearings, dangers such as shoals or reefs : as such these Rutters were jealously guarded for with one any competent sailor could travel unknown waters in greater safety and with more speed.
In your Academy, you will build a Library of Rutters, copied and shared amongst your Captains : each level will add 1% to your fleets speed of travel.
Cost of research should be comparable to Shipwright Management.