I suggest doing just a single patrol in real time first.
In
Aces of the Deep (20 years ago or more) I did similar with 'alarms' sending me out of bed in the middle of the night into the war. I could be spending days with no events but it was a helluva good time!!
I was able to really tune into the moment ... plus I enjoyed the sound of the sea & boat as background noise ...
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DID, no cheats, no shortcuts, no non-historic equipment deviations. Boat and crew safety is integral with my immersion style! Follow the historic events during your patrol:
http://www.uboat.net/today.html