[Tonguetyed]

Sailing's important because blowing up ships (or running away from ships depending on how good of a shot you are) is probably the most fun thing to do in the game, especially when you have or are part of a crew (I would say playing poker is up there as well, but I didn't get far enough in Phase 1 to find out what its like to gain exp in poker).

Also, once Phase 2 is up running long enough, the Cuban Gang will, in all probability, go back to their bullying ways. So, its important to have a high enough level in sailing to protect yourself from them, right!? And the fastest way to level up sailing is to sail with a guild.

This isn't to take away from gaining experience with the pistol, cutlass, dagger, voodoo, etc. But I believe sailing within in a guild is the heart and soul of the game.