A boarding party aimed to deliver as many attackers as possible in one concentrated assault. Control of the working deck and sails gave the attackers control of the ship's movement. Securing hatches allowed them to keep defenders below with muskets and pikes. Attackers could also enter through gunports to seize the gun deck and force the remaining crew deeper into the ship. The tactics described include threats to the magazine as a means of coercing surrender. This contrasts with Pirates of the Burning Sea's repeated small groups of reinforcements. The later comparison with medieval treatment of defeated crews adds a practical motive for preserving prisoners: their information could help locate further prizes.
Notable Point · 2:39:49-2:43:05
How an Age of Sail boarding party seized a ship
Successful boarding concentrated force, controlled the upper works, and trapped the defending crew below decks.