Thanks, HopAlong. I use Maltz's bait tactics a bit. They don't really apply to the Nambian Trade ships, though. One ship against many with canon against arrows. The key with them is to be as far upwind on the map as possible when you engage and be able to go down wind most of the time as you maneuver. In that way you take some out, rout other, and slow the rest down, so when you reach the end of the map you can go back up wind without being set on fire, which seems to be the only risk of losing such battles.