I've been playing the free edition of this game on

[link|http://www.wildgames.com|Wild Games]

called Trade Winds.

You start with one single mast sloop, sail between the cities, build your fleet and capture pirates.

Had my best game yet tonight. About 15 ships, 3 Brigantines, 305 cannons. No pirate fleet could face me!

Be advised the "free" version has a $100,000 limit. To get around it, be sure to trade in your pirates in Jia Ching and buy warehouse guards to get yourself back below $100,000 and continue playing.

My kids want to buy it for my birthday in about 1 1/2 months. I'm afraid if I had the "real" version, I probably would waste weeks playing it.

But, if you're into ships, this is YOUR GAME.

Glen Austin