The optional rule "Continuous Fire:" Why would you NOT use that (if being used)

[AndrewG73]

Played a two on two scenario using Carronades rule for the British and standard gunnery for the Spanish today.

I noted that they were mostly effective in the chase due to the wider firing arc but at other times the half range (and half carronades rounding up on firepower) really cut down on effectiveness.
In essence I found it better to simply reload the cannons with double ball, manoeuvre and then only fire at half range with my main guns too.
I don't feel that it is something that I would want to have more than one or two vessels sporting in a fleet though.

I'm going to try continuous fire in another game at the weekend and see how that plays out.

P.S. This is my first game against Spaniards - they seem far more effective at their rates. Also, I now know that 5th rates should steer as far clear from 1st rates as possible. The first broadside completely wrecked my British frigate turning her into matchsticks and I barely scratched the side of them in return.

[Bligh]

The generally accepted rule for Frigates by most civilized nations was to leave them unmolested unless they were attempting to influence the line of battle by raking liners sterns or towing off prizes. Usually it would be left to the Fleets own Frigates to see off any enemy ones.
However, i did have a very successful game where two Frigates captured a 74 escorting a merchantman. Just a couple of early rakes and some lucky draws brought the liner down to the same status as the Frigates vs firepower and crew numbers. Then it became a battle of attrition.
Rob.