Thanks for the encouragement and ideas.
I really do wish it was just a matter of allowing more time, but I have been trying off and on for a long time, since the original release of SH3. I still have the original software media somewhere. In reading the threads I have been impressed with how many here "think" like a submarine commander. As much as I have tried, I do not think in that way by comparison. Frankly, it has become harder to think through any process recently.
The good news is I will continue to sail with the sims for the shear pleasure of being on the virtual seas. If I see smoke on the horizon, I will hide underwater until they pass. I will continue to try and translate my real world navigation skills in SH5 (there has to be a way) as well as look into the various suggestions.