The sloop has an advantage over the galley in manoeuvrability and it is easily handled by a moderately experienced sailor. I have found going solo is not for the faint of heart as the risk is far greater than the reward.
The time it takes to do things alone often makes a defeat that bit more harder to swallow and in a game where time is just as much of a commodity as gold, it's better to sail with or as a first mate on a sloop to get things done faster.
Gathering resources should be a two man job at the beginning.
The helmsman of the sloop should take care of position, sails and anchor. He should also issue reasonable requests to his first mate.
The helmsman should stay with the sloop to keep a lookout, to position it and assist with charting courses when the first mate is off on an island or ferrying loot and resources. Helmsman can assist with taking care of livestock when sailing freely with no threats on the horizon.
The first mate should concern himself with assisting with sails and navigation as a secondary to crows nest and manning cannons when required. A lookout while on the move is often under rated and overlooked. To ignore this, you do so at your own peril.
The first mate should also be the boarder if a situation arises where boarding and close quarters PVP proves to be profitable.
Damage control should also be the first mates concern when taking fire. The helmsman may need to assist with damage control if the first mate is overwhelmed.
Experienced players can swap positions and mix it up but continuity in a session further secures routines and routines further secures success.
If you and your sailing partner get into a good rhythm on a sloop, you will be unstoppable even against well coordinated galleon crews.
