When fighting against unbelievable odds dont panic.  Choose the long
sword.  Keep using the slash-high attack to cause the most dammage.
You may get down to only one man left,  but you can still defeat the
enemy captain.  After you win, select send a prize crew so you will
have enough people to sail your ship.

Don't attack a nation your home country is allied with, it will
upset both of them.

Don't wed till you've got all your promotions, your oppurtunities
will be much better.  Make conversation with all the governors
daughters, however, they might gather important information for
you from the governors mansion.