Runs just fine here on a 2.4 gig processor with 4 gig of RAM.
I'd try more RAM first, it's pretty cheap these days.
As others commented in this thread, whilst you are supposed to get a bit of renown for sailing back to base yourself, it has never worked.
@sublynx: The reason you
have to sail back yourself is because you are playing at 100% realism, which disables the 'teleport back to base' function. If you were playing at 99% or below that option would be re-enabled.
Finally I sail back to port myself simply because I enjoy it. There's no knowing what may happen on the way home. Hell, I've even been sunk on the way home before. It's all part of the fun