Need Help First Foray into Naval Combat

[DTScurvy]

What sort of ship and officer setup should I have before I can expect to confidently win a naval combat encounter? Should I have a specific set of personal and ship skills before doing so, and should I be at a certain rank? What kind of cannons should I use, and what kinds of ship types would you recommend?

Thanks for your answers in advance.

 

[The Nameless Pirate]

For me, I usually try to find a good gunner, so that my shots are more accurate.
As for the ship, a Corvette maybe, it's one of my first good ships that I get.

Hope this is of help to you.