In the light of the recent negative reviews to help the development team with the funding I propose the next patch to be an online store were we could buy cosmetic upgrades to change the look of the ships.
Nothing in the store sold for real money should give any advantage in the gameplay in any form or shape.
But having an option to buy unlockable paint slots on ships, change ship names, buy colors for various parts of the ships and sails may and in my opinion will help to raise revenue for future development of the game.