Close-haul regional bonus

[Captain Babylon]

I've been thinking of setting up shop where I can build ships with the regional close-haul bonus. Seems like that would be a good bonus on a trader brig. Then I came into possession of a t brig that had the bonus already on it. It sails at the same 12 kts as any other t brig when I sail slightly upwind, mostly upwind or very nearly into the wind. Looks like this buff is a waste of time, even for trader ships. Am I missing something?

[Powderhorn]

It's an in battle speed boost, to my knowledge.

[Yar Matey]

I heard a rumor that regional explorer is faster than is stated and is giving more than just a bonus of 3%.  Its all hearsay, but its been said that regional explorer is faster than regional speed.  Not sure how true this is.