How do you sail?

[Tiggerspice]

Ok, I feel like the biggest bonehead in beta! I need to sink some ships, and I haven't a clue how to do so!
Can I do it alone, and if so, how do I fire? Do I need to be on a crew? If so what's a good way to find one?
Aside from taking pleasure cruises all over the map, I haven't made much progress.

Any help would be appreciated, I'm getting nowhere on my own!

Thanks!
~el tig