What are the differences between this and the Caribbean hunt one?

Does anyone know if it is possible to go into the files and edit the number of encounters... its ridiculous the number of encounters you get in this game. I'd love to remove at least 80% of them so I can enjoy the sail while also turning the game into a hunt where I have to actually go out and search for other ships...

it was possible to choose between Front or Back sails, on the first game. is there an upgrade to get it in this version, or is just gone?

the game is too easy if you play it by upgrading ships to max. i only upgrade lvl 1 and nothing else. i also only sail non-military ships like a 38 gun galleon, but not a war galleon. i don't pick up cargo from a battle by 2 or more other ships, only from battles that i engage in. i never use the kraken, it's not for real. i sail where-ever i want to go. no fast travel allowed. if i capture a ship i will escort it to my base, and not fast travel there. if my ship gets in range for a boarding i will board ...

I want to restart my game because I messed up. how do i do it?