"Game number 19402" is now history, but thanks to your help I was able to win. I did some rough numerical comparisons and up to the turn when the Pelayo lost all of her rigging I did 64 points of damage to 44, not a bad ratio. Unfortunately, in the next two turns, 5 of my ships peppered 12 shots at the Pelayo's rigging, which was gone by that point. Due to the non-random nature of the gun direction, I had to change my battle line and that meant taking rake shots. By turn 16, the Damage Meter stood at 80 -82, I was destoyed. After I manged to turn and with the help of the initial broadside from the previously disengaged sides, I pulled into the lead and eventual victory. I learned a lot about large ship formations and so, once again, thank you for your help Avallega, Michzeidler and Sir Lindsley, I could not have done it without you.

(Accepts statue to thunderous applause)