Tater - that depends. The sailing model has 3 modes, Arcade, Normal and Simulation. On Simulation - you do actually have to pay attention to the wind alot. Unfortunately, you can head directly into the wind and still progress extremely slowly, no tacking is required. So if this is your meaning of motorboating then yes I guess they do. However, if you head into the wind in a Galleon, it says your moving - but you won't know it. 1 knot ain't getting you anywhere fast.....
The turn rates as well as speed are controlled by the sailing model, and the best thing about the game is that it is easily moddable in these areas. So you can make the turn rate and wind efficiency whatever you want.
Some of the "special" abilities are a bit of a stretch while others are realistic - but you control which ones your captains get, so any you feel are "too gamey" you can just not choose.
The biggest problem with EIC is the "strategic" AI at the moment, but there are a few ways around that. Overall - I have to recommend it if only for the tactical fun. The Battle of Trafalgar addon also was a nice change of pace since it is historical.
If you do get it - make sure you patch to the Directors cut p1 version (1.12 exe) as the gui was refined and some major fixes added.
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Good Hunting!
Captain Haplo
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