[Dread Roberts]

Dont run and gun. Find some ships that are higher lvl then you (obviously not to high) sail with in cannon range (NOT BROADSIDE RANGE). Start firing until you "tag" it (hit it). Once its tagged it will sail straight for you, aim for the mast until either you take the a mast or 2 out, or until it gets with in radar range (make sure your radar is zoomed out). Once in radar range or close to it, aim for the hull and fire away. Learn the range of your broadsides, when its within broadside range, fire a broadside, then go back to a close cannon and fire more cannon, after a few rounds, go back to broadside. By now the ship is prolly getting close, once they start to turn they will be in there broadside range. Try to avoid letting them get a barrage off by moving out of there range and repeating the above. If you successfully took out a mast or 2, they will move like a snail and give you more time to sink them before you need to move, or if you still need to move, it will be easier and quicker to get away from them.

I see way to many people making the mistake of getting right next to the ship and firing. Trust me, it works alot better if you take caution and not run in for the kamakzi attack.

This stragtegy will raise both sailing and cannon, i have used it for awhile now. Like grave said, go after galleons, there armor is weak in the front, the front is a HUGE target, they dont have front cannons (ony Jug's will shoot forward from my experiences) and there slow. They are easy to take down in with this stragegy.

Oh, also, when switching positions, make sure your rounds hit before you leave a cannon or the wheel, or else they will have no effect.