I found in playing this game, that if folks just get really good at one job on ship, it is really smooth sailing. Most crews talked on shore and took a position on the ship they felt suited them well.
Helm/Captain : Handling ships course and was main "shot caller" on the crew.
Sails : in my opinion the most important job. Handles sail angle and speed. Drops Anchor.
Map/Bow Lookout : Assists Helm by watching for "rock v ship" encounters, primarily finds and identifies islands and plots course for Helm.
Crow's Nest : keeps long range lookout. Makes everyone has bananas, resupplies ship as needed.
I had one guy handle the sails so well, we could pick our fights with other ships. When you have the wind, the speed control and a fast anchor drop, Galleons are lethal on the water.
All spots are important even in calm seas and no one around. I seriously will say a good crew makes a powerful ship. Your Crew should love the ship they sail on. you even get a sixth sense about how a battle is fairing, They will just know when ship needs repair during the thunderous battles. We won many battles from other ship just firing at us non stop to suddenly realize their ship was sinking beyond repair.
I must go down to the seas again
to the lonely sea and sky
And all I ask is a tall ship
and a star to steer her by
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song
and the white sail’s shaking
And a gray mist on the sea’s face,
and a gray dawn breaking. - John Masefield
