If you're trying to hug the coastline, obviously taking is going to be an issue. Maybe your map has less open ocean than the ones I play on, but I've sailed for many minutes in one direction many times.

In any case, everyone has their preferences, so I understand if you don't like it.

FWIW, I just figured out the other day that you could turn off the annoying music that plays when you're in the ocean, and it is SO much better. Hearing the waves lap your boat while sailing through a stary sky at night with Yggdrasil right above you is very enjoyable for me.