In my ruleset "Raked Sterns and Balls of Iron" I try to come up with a realistic, yet simple set of rules regarding sailing. I have read a lot about the subject, but information is still hard to come by. Therefore I turn to the expertise here on LAF!
As of now, each ship has a movement allowance. This allowance is divided by a modifier depending on the wind direction (it is also affected by sails but that is another thing).
The modifiers are:
Broad reach x1
Beam reach x2
Running x2
Close reach x4
In irons - no movement
e.g: A ship with an allowance of 50 cm moving in a beam reach would move 25 cm. In a broad reach it would move 50 cm and in a close reach, the ship would only move 12,5 cm.
a) Would you say these modifiers are realistic when it comes to square rigged ships like galleons?
b) Would a lateen rigged ship have different modifiers?