Hi emme_seek,
it could be unfortunate start, meeting a bit more powerfull opponent than you. I would recommend avoiding fight with someone with more guns then you.
General battle tactic would be:
- get into best possible shooting angle (Excellent or Perfect; Good works too);
- try avoiding enemy getting in Good+ shooting angle then he has loaded all cannons by using evasive maneuvers;
- try targeting the most vulnerable part of their ship (ships surrender with hull or sails below 20% or having 1 cannon left). Targeting crew reduces enemy's reloading speed, targeting sails reduces their maneuverability, less cannons = less hits on you.
I hope this will help you with few quick wins.
And on v1.2 I'm working that first battles would be predefined with weaker opponents.