In that scene there really isn't much you can change as it is pretty simple. That being said, it is your rendering settings that are slowing you down. Here is what I would do, but it will take some testing. 1) Use the select a render area feature. Pick an object that is detailed and will be noticed. Select perhaps the boat or one of the trees up close. But make sure you keep your same render size that way you will know exactly how it will look in the finished scene. 2) Select the superior setting then select user settings. 3) As others mentioned above, certain items will add to render time. Changing some setting lower will have virtually no impact on the quality of your scene. Ok, it will effect it but it may be so minor that it is acceptable. There are many quality sliders (like AA) than can be trimmed down for massive speed increases with minimal quality loss. That is about it. By using a selected render area you can do small test renders but still see exactly the quality you will be getting. Once you find the quality / speed ratio you are happy with then do the full render. You will be surprised at how many things you can lower that will have no real noticable difference. :)