Unable to gain sailing reputation!

[CaptainJaneWavebreaker]

I have a feeling this may be because I'm a Basic Access member (or a bug), but I figured I'd ask here anyway, because it's really been annoying me.

I've been stuck at Level 7 sailing (with 6 points out of 1100 to advance to the next level) for at least a week now. I've tried sinking a wide variety of ships with broadsides only (this is the best way to get Sailing XP, right?), but I can't seem to gain any XP from them...regardless of whether it's a Light Sloop or a Frigate (I'm only level 11 noteriety overall in a Light Galleon, so I don't dare go after anything bigger alone!).

Any suggestions? I'm totally stumped.