This is an old topic but I found another model of the supposed original Constitution and didn't want to start another topic only for it.
http://shipmodel.com/models/constitution-solid-hull
http://suchac-martinsuchy.blogspot.com/2008/09/uss-constitution.html
It doesn't have the curves and style of a ship like the Bellona (even the Constitution is somewhat bland in comparison) but it has it's own utilitarian look that it means business.
I wouldn't mind seeing one but I'm sure it will be very far down the line, if ever, that we get one. I have a feeling I'll spend most of my time in the Rattlesnake (when available), Constitution, and Bellona anyway.
If you do experiment with a much closer view I would somehow restrict feedback from testers on the topic until they get 25-50 battles with it. Otherwise, the knee-jerk reaction would really skew the feedback as it would be a large adjustment for most. I can only imagine the amount of accidental ramming in the beginning.
It's a cool feature for sea trials but it would be exploited tremendously in the open world especially in combat. Also, there would be no need to explore if you could simply 'zoom' your way to land before starting your voyage.
I was never really into the space genre so I'll probably stick solely with Naval Action but who knows what the future holds. The videos do look interesting.
This is only my opinion but I think that would provide too much information regarding how well you are using manual sails and take some of the 'feel' out of it. Once you get used to the ships they will tell you if you are using manual sails properly. It would also add a lot of visual clutter.