Ironclads tactics

Hello all. I'm new to this forum but have been wargaming since the mid-70s. I've been a PC flightsimmer for the past several years, and recently bought Ironclads Anthology for a change, to get my feet wet in this genre (pun intended). I really love it, but I'm a total noob in tactical sea warfare and would really appreciate some advice on battle planning and maneuvering. I've played a few Ironclad scenarios and so far wind up either limping back or gulping seawater. Thanks in advance for any help.