Classic Romans, they had no naval warfare experience, but a metric-shit-ton of land warfare experience. So they put a big ol' ramp with spikes on the end on their boat, and simply boarded the enemy boats. Who needs to be good at naval maneuvers when you can stick your sword into the other fellow.
"HEY, get a load of this! They managed to get something floating, but they forgot to put a sail on one of the masts!, it's just got a spike on the end! Haha hahaha!"
ship get closer.... And closer.... And closer...
"Wait... Why aren't they holding anything to throw or shoot at us?....... They're getting into a formation near the ma... Wait that's not a mast. It has rails.. Oh.... Oh no.........."