Here's my brief overview in the early stages of the 2 playoff games between Flashrock (John) and derekticus (Derek):

Game 18835-Derek, as Spanish, is heavily favored, having severly slowed the British considerably. This has allowed Derek to overlap both ends of Flashrock's British line. Current advantage: Spanish.

Game 18836- is much closer. This has become a long range artillery duel. Both lines are strung out, and so far the Derek's British have suffered 24 total rigging hits, against Flashrock's 17 Spanish. Current advantage: very slightly Spanish again, but it's still too early for any decisive maneuver to have occured. Both sides seem content to volley-fire their broadsides from long range. The current trend would indicate a slight advantage for Flashrock, but it's a very slim margin.

Yes, you never know who might be watching!