Well, even though I have a day count, I am planning on hitting YE 30 within Mission 4 of the Miharu. That means I'll probably be skiphopping over a few days, perhaps even weeks. Sensor surveys, patrols, investigations, research, refits (and the Miharu will probably have its share of those) and such take time.
Once some situations are presented and that I'll know that my player base can cope well with them, I wouldn't be afraid of skipping over it ICly (a supply run escort that'd take a week, assisting on the frontline in fighting Mishhu ships if it happened once or twice before, etc...).
I say YE 29 is probably a significant year and that a lot is going on in it. I wouldn't be afraid of stretching it.