I see from other posts that its important to get the (forgot the name, but it gives +1 movement mon ships). But as i now have the view of the full map i cant see how could find the russian and the rest on that continent before you get magnetism. Is this just me missing out on something important or?

A russian Trireme found me way early in the game, but i cant see anyway it should have been able to pass the ocean.

The helpfile stats that triremes will be lost at sea, while the later galleon may be lost, is this incorrect?

Ani

Trireme will indeed be lost at sea. But if you have the Lighthouse (the thing you forgot the name), it gives a +1 move bonus and allow trireme to cross ocean tile without any harm (but not with the last patch)

Triremes have a 33% (or is it 50%???) chance of being lost at sea each turn, so it is certainly possible to cross vast stretches of ocean with a Trireme - but you have to be prepared to sacrifice Triremes to do it. It took me 6 tries to cross - and the third Trireme foundered in site of land before I could make contact!

Even after the patch, the Lighthouse gives Triremes an extra movement point and allows safe Sea travel. Both are useful for increasing the chances of surviving long crossings.

I didn't build the Lighthouse in GOTM#2 (wasn't fast enough :( ), and I finished in 1585AD. If you trade maps with whoever DID get the Lighthouse, chances are they'll settle your continent somewhere. Then you buy contact with everyone else. Worked for me.