The ships look simply incredible. Sails and rigging are beautifully rendered. The ships bob and lean with the wind and just look incredibly real. Ships sink like they should, nice and slow. You can even see them below the water if the sun is out.
Masts creak and sink as well.
Land masses are well done and if you have a bay scenario, the forts fire on you as well. Clouds and sunlite affect lighting and water effects well. You have to see it to believe it. The ships creak and they roll and the sounds of the sea are great. I was really shocked at just how well the cannon fire was done.