You could dispense with the PBEM as old tech and just use Tabletop Simulator. https://www.tabletopsimulator.com/

The basic game is about 20 USD and then you plug in user made modules. There is one for SOG. I played Trafalgar with 6 players using a miniatures rule set called "Fighting Sail" from Osprey.

Here is one of the SOG modules. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfil...?id=1396046719

I would be surprised if this was not mentioned on the Aerodrome. It basically automates all the work discussed in this thread for the price of one ship or plane.