Im not aware of any "glitch" in this regard.
Since updates i've noticed that the enemy ships are often way off on thier shots. It seems they've stopped adjusting thier shooting for moving targets in some cases.
One of my sailing battle techniques is to circle the ship im attacking, as it typically keeps trying to head towards me. This keeps the front keel of the boat im attacking towards me. Other than the Ogres, and Frigate classes, I have not seen any of the ships shoot 'forward', so they seldom get off a shot, not having an opportunity to broadside me.
Also since the updates others shooting at the same ships now will change its "target package" so to speak causing it to veer off attacking one ship, and go for another.
Zeppers lvl40
http://pirates.teamofx.us