Sails, helm, and the person on the cannon
One person steers. One person trims. A silent brig loses to a loud sloop. Keep additional guides handy when a new season still changes world-event rules.
Forts pay. Flags also paint a target.
Raise emissary if you can defend it. Lower it if a galleon is already on you. Check more game information before you stack three reaper chests in an open hold.
Sell, then log the win
An outpost with a ship on the horizon is a trap. Tuck, sell, leave. Skim this resource for extra notes on tuck spots near a seapost.