I'm always the weird one. I go through the Canal, and lay out my waypoints one at a time. Every few hours I drop to regular time and look at the sights. For me traversing the Canal is just as much part of the experience as sinking ships. I even use the mod that makes me stop at the locks and wait for the gates to open.
I know that doesn't help you with the way you want to play the game, and I understand. I just wanted to share my own viewpoint.
