The speed can be improved by increasing the priority of the application in Windows (There's a thread somewhere about it) but it will improve with subsequent releases as the code is not fully optimised yet (developers call it debug code). EB are doing far more behind the scenes than Vanilla with codes such as the traits etc, at the moment be patient.

With the Casse (if you are still playing as them) Camilodunum (sp?) has a port so disband your fleet as soon as you have dropped your diplomat off on the European Mainland. Disband virtually all of your troops save for a garrison and camp your remaining family members somewhere (move them occassionally so they don't get bored). Send your diplomat to the gauls (both tribes) and the Sweboz initially and get some trade agreements and then send him to do the same with the Romani, etc etc.

then wait......and wait a bit more.....

Within five to ten turns of doing next to nothing your economy should turn round once it start to do so you should be able to build up an ample force to go SW to Devon and take that nice settlement there.

If you playing as a faction without a port I found the best way to get rid of my navy was to go and find that fleet of Pirates in the Agaen\black Sea are...give it three turns and you don't have a fleet to worry about any more