Undead French ships are driving me mad

[sam42]

So, I'm doing the new quest, and I'm at the point where I have to sink some French ships. I sank the first one no problem, as it was right off the shore of Cangrejos. However, my next task is to sink a French Cererbus. I think I have seen two, and I must have tried to get to them at least 10 times altogether. They are completely surrounded by regular skeleton ships. I can't get anywhere near them before I find myself in jail.

I don't know if it's my problem or that the sea is really over packed over there, as I seem to have a different sailing style than a lot of people. I usually sail alone...I really should crew up more often. However, despite my level, I'm poor and still only have a regular galleon...so that may be why I'm sinking so quickly.

I'm just very annoyed because I was liking the new stuff, and was 95% done with the quest, and now I'm just at a standstill.