OoC: Kahuna - basically, I would call the way I run games 'realistic'. I try to go for as much realism as possible, while still remaining within the bounds of the game. For instance, I'm quite a bit more lax on alignment than I imagine most are, but I'm also willing to have a villain act fully within the realms of his/her personality. If that's what you consider 'gritty'... well, then, expect a gritty game. 
If I didn't answer your question, just feel free to ask for more clarifications either here or in email.
Remi
"Jericho, would you be so kind as to show Zumar and I the way to this fine vessel of yours?"
"Aye." He says, and he heads out the door.
Following him, the pair head only a short distance along the docks, before Jericho stops at a ship. "This be her." He says. "She hasn't got a name yet, but she's sturdy enough."
The ship before you is much like how Jericho described it: three sails, roughly sixty feet long, and roughly twenty wide; the deck stands roughly ten to fifteen feet above the water. A ballista stands at each end of the ship.
The overall quality of the ship seems to be rather good; there are several areas that are visibly patched, and the type of wood used seems to vary randomly throughout its construction. The sails, too, are patched, though the spots are difficult to detect.
"She's a tad light on weaponry." Jericho observes. "An' she's not much ta look at, but as I said... she'll hold in a storm."