This game rocks!
Handling a sailing ship should be a challenge, so the argument that it is too difficult is just whining.
The sailing is great, for the most part. Its not perfect, as the fastest point of sailing should be with the wind on the quarter (not running before the wind) but just having it matter at all makes the game very interesting!
The single-player missions were all easy to beat. The multi-play is very satisfying PVP.
I look forward to playing this game a lot more.