[Earth curvature]

I would really like to see islands and ships raise behind the horizon when approached. I always find this impressive on the real seas and it would be great to also have it in the game.

[Battle timer and spawn distance]

One could consider to not close the battle. but increase the spawning distance with time. And also display the current distance in OW. This would prevent the feeling of being locked-out, while at the same time avoid to many unpleasant surprises (no pun intended) for the combatants.

[Technical problems and bugs]

It sounds like you were attacked (either player or NPC) and sunk after you logged off. You remain visible and susceptible to attack for 10 minutes after you log off on the open sea, so yes it pays to find a port before logging off.

 

The Lynx is a starter ship with infinite lives so that's why you kept it the second time.

 

Thanks for the answer. So other ships have just one live? You lose one time and they  are gone?

[Technical problems and bugs]

I loged off from OW while being on the ocean in a Navy Brig and came back 12h later. There was a battle result screen and I was in the (presumably) nearest neutral port without a ship. I tried the same with a Lynx then and this time I kept it (still transfered back to port). Is that a bug or a feature? Is there a penalty for loging of while not being in a port?