Starting with pirates

[El Frantico]

Blood and Plunder ,on release,should also be appropriate 

That would be my recommendation! 

If your going for historical accuracy, the foundry range works best for Pirates and privateers From about 1690-1760.

[Patrice]

« Argad ! » includes a reference sheet for pirates, and is devised for such small-sized groups.

It's an adventures and RPG combat system however, not a real wargame...
...and always in evolution, so always incomplete, and the latest updates, corrections and FAQs are not translated quickly.

http://www.argad-bzh.fr/argad/pdfs/sheet-en-pirates.pdf
http://www.argad-bzh.fr/argad/en.html

[Mr.J]

Thanks for the ideas guys, I'll check them all out. I hope to have some painted minis to show you soon!

[Sir_Theo]

I have a copy of Legends of the High Seas I was just about to put on ebay if you are interested? It's a good fun rules set (based on the GW Lord o the Rings skirmish game but works really well for a more Holywoody Pirate game)