This has instantly become my favourite game :) I used to practice manoeuvring in an old 2d simulator (hms Surprise). Love the third dimension and the global sailing aspect! I would love to see a way to save the progress and perhaps a way to set the day to today. (or at least the month so I don't always have to start in August :). Keep up the good work! 

I'm glad to hear it holds up. If there's anything about the handling or behaviour that stands out as bad, I'd be happy to try to fix it.

It should start the "world" scenario at a random date (with some checking for a reasonable wind), and then you can change the time and date with some of the controls at the bottom right.

when the ship heals, the centre of pressure of the sails moves outboard causing a turning force on the ship. For example in gust, the ship wants to turn towards the wind by this effect. 

Thanks. The physics ought to be taking care of that, as the forces should be applied at the centres of the sails. I will check if something has got messed up there.