Whilst I havent had access to any of the fighting technique books etc that are often refered to in here I have been intrigued by what has been said. Our predecessors were obviously a lot more clever / astute etc than many give them credit for.
HOWEVER, I was pleassantly surpised to read the following advice for swordplay given by an officer in the British Royal Navy at the time of Lord Cochrane [Cochrane was the model for O'Brian's Cpt Jack Aubrey]
I appreciate that fighting during a boarding action on a vessel is a lot different to landwarfare of earlier times but this was intriguing.

"Eagerness and heat in action, especially in a first onslaught, ought never to be the cause of a man putting himself so much off his guard....as to lift his arm to make a blow with his cutlass... But on the contrary, by rushing sword in hand straight out and thereby the guard maintained, and watching his opportunity of making the thrust, the slightest touch of the point is death to his enemy."

So much for all those Hollywood films eh!?!

Anyone ever heard / read of other items concerning fighting techniques etc related to naval situations?

I regert to say that I don't have the officer's name nor any actual reference to quote other that the book that I read it in.
TItle; Cochrane, The life and exploits of a fighting captain
Author; Robert Harvey
Publisher; CONSTABLE
ISBN; 1-84119-162-D
Whilt not a book on weapons /armour etc it is an interesting read for people who like naval history / actions.

If you go to the ARMA website, this summer at the lansig Mich. workshop, they are offering a three day class on naval boarding and weaponry seminar, on a real boat, sounds kind neat. check them out.

WOW! I hope I'm back by then. I didn't see any firm dates on the site. Does anyone know when this event will happen?

Seems like influence from the smallsword fighting of the day. Makes sense, because the cutlass is to short to be used in a cutting match with a sabre or bayonetted musket. He would have to attack and close, wich is easier to do for a untrained man if his focus is on stabbing rather than swinging...

Yeah . . . Let me just reiterate what Elling said in case those of you reading this thread missed it . . .
This brings to my mind the assumption that Cutlasses must have been versatile weapons.