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.

All ships as a result?

All your fleets will benefit from the additional skills of your captains, yes. But perhaps such a speed bonus should apply to normal travel only, not to battle

This could work; it could only be used during travels. I think it is best to always talk about ship speed as fleet speed is always equal to the speed of the slowest ship in the fleet.

That works for me : I wanted some form of technology that rewarded navigational skills and knowledge : a speed bonus seems the best reward for that research.

Another good idea.

-1, we have a voodoo card that will increase travel speed already. Keep in mind that any additions to the Academy benefit a small group of players as few have the in-game resources to fully research the current academy techs, much less new ones.

+1

+1 for this one.

+1