Well without reading loads of novels you can try the simple approach.

Deploy your ships in a line ahead formation (in a line bow to stern) with the wind coming from the after quarter. Keeping the wind advantage is the most important thing to keep in mind. The next thing is to try to get the enemy in an unfavorable position such as his bow or stern facing your broadside. This is called a rake. Also shooting away his sails first to slow him is a good idea.

The three main types of ammunition are :round shot used to destroy the hull of the ship and sink it, chain shot used against sails, and grape shot used to kill the crew.

Ideally you shoot away the sails and then clear the decks of the enemy and board to capture the ship. We won’t be able to get much beyond this until we know what guns, shot, etc. we get in the game…