Accuracy

Accuracy is the measure of your effectiveness in combat against other ships. As Naval Action models Age of Sail weaponry very accurately, accuracy is determined by the player and your understanding of cannon ballistics, range, and particulars of every weapon type.

Basics

 * Unlike modern weapons, cannons have a very limited range and fire in an arc. The general range is largely determined by the type of the gun, with the carronade being a close-combat weapon and long cannons being principally a long-range weapon.
 * Never fire blindly. Naval Action allows for firing a single cannon off (using Shift) which shows how far the shot will fly and where it will land. Use it to adjust your aim and fire off a volley when you think you'll hit it.
 * Of course, the area of the ship hip with the cannon matters greatly. Hits to the hull are expected and thus will deal the smallest amount of damage, since that's where the bulk of the armor is. Ideal shots will target the weakest spots on the ship, such as the deck (over the side armor, also works great for reducing crew complements).

Nuance

 * Accuracy is not so much simply hitting your target, but hitting it right. Pick the right ammunition for the job and focus on hitting the enemy where it hurts. Grapeshot is one important example, as it's easily deflected by the sides of the target ship - but attacking when you are on top of a wave, while the enemy is below, with the deck exposed, is a very effective strafing method.
 * Single shots are also useful for precision fire, against both the crew and vulnerable elements, such as masts, sails, the rudder, and other vital systems.