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Brand new to the game and really enjoying it. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to be at full sails for movement? I may be missing something in the rules, but do you take extra damage if you are hit with full sails? Otherwise I think you would want to keep your speed as high as you could especially with smaller ships.
Slower speeds allow you to turn tighter. Backing sails allows you to use "Line Ahead" without it getting too complex ( all ships move the same distance).
Welcome to the Anchorage, Gary.
Regarding sail settings, it is as Dobbs wrote that ships are more manoeuvrable with the lower sail settings. Also, if you are using the Wind Strength optional rules, a ship at full sail can receive sail damage when the wind strength changes to High.
In 'real life' there was an increased fire risk using full sails in battle but I do not think that is covered in the game rules.
Welcome to the Anchorage Gary.
It is always good to have a fresh shipmate alongside.
Dave is quite right about the sails and fire hazard from the discharge of your own guns starting fires.
It would solve the misuse of full sails if there were a chance of fire in the rules for this but unfortunately there is not.
Next time you try to maneuver a ship in harbour or through a restricted channel between islands or sandbars, rocks etc you will realize how useful even backing sails can be.
Rob.
Thanks so much for the quick responses! Happy New Year!