i downloaded dalhgren and columiad, but the movement rules don't seem to actually exist...they have example profiles for ships with set movements, but no rules about movement itself aside from turning pretty much. have you played and do you have any insight?
I haven't actualy played Dahlgren and Columbiad and in fact just got a copy myself.
"Vessels can move up to their full movement distance as shown on the ship table. Ships must move at least 1”,
and ships moving under sail at least half their maximum move distance, unless hove to or at anchor. Vessels may make up to two course changes during movement, depending on their Manoeuvre Class"
Yeah, that's lovely. And sailing:
"Vessels moving under sail may not move on courses that take them closer
to the wind than 60 degrees, as indicated on the Sailing Template. Vessels
moving under sail may tack across the wind. In order to do this the vessel
uses either its first or second turn to point its head directly into the wind.
At this point all movement and turning for that vessel stops. In its next
movement phase a d6 is rolled, adding 1 if the ship is Damaged. If the
result is 5 or less the vessel tacks, and is turned across the wind so that it
is pointing as close to the wind as possible (this uses up its first course
change), after which it may move away as normal. If the result is 6 or more
the vessel goes into irons and remains immobile for the remainder of the
phase – it may make another attempt at the start of the subsequent
movement phase."
Very simplified. I guess ships go straight forward at least 1" and up to their movement allowance in inches, with possible turns at mid-move and at the end-of-move. Doesn't look like there's much nuance to it.