Being a fan of the Master and Commander series of novels by Patrick O'Brian this game really seems fantastic to me. It was launched in 2007-2008 and I started playing it in 2010. Currently it has a lot less players due to various problems, but it stills seems irreplaceable to me.
It is set around the date of 1720 in the caribbean and one can choose to play for England, France, Spain or Pirates, and battle (mainly but not exclusively in ships) against the players of the other factions for domination of the american ports.





Official website: http://www.burningsea.com

Anybody from the forums knows/plays it?

PS: If someone wants to try it and chooses to play for GB I can help you get started .