How to upgrade ship past tier 9? When? And Where?

Hello pirates,

I stopped playing after 40h gametime at launch. Now I come back and not sure how people are tier 15!

I feel stuck at 9, can't progress quests easily anymore.

Here is my current loadout:

Ship class: Brigantine (DPS)

Weapon loadout:

• Front & Left: Fire Bombard III
• Right & Back: Basilisk III
• Center: Le Fleau (Mortar)
• Armor: Royal Custodian

Loadout

Where do I find better weapons and armor?

Most of what I get from events, even when I with the help of others manage to get drops from much higher level elite warships PvE events, still the drops are around the same what I already have. So how do people jump from 9 to 13, 14, and even 15?

Additional question: Is it safe and OK to completely ignore the manufacturing stuff for now since season 3 is around the corner?

Appreciate any advice