Use grapeshot, aim for the rigging

From Create Your Own Story

Your ship's thick hail of grapeshot tears hundreds of tiny holes through the Portuguese galleon's sails, but do not cause enough damage to cripple your prey. The galleon completes her maneuver... and soon you are staring straight at a score of loaded cannons. They all fire in unison, smashing Midnight to pieces before you can even mutter a curse.

THE END.