[Werewolf13]

In real life yes...

But what about in DW. So far it seems the only advantage to a formation is plotting fewer AI movement paths.

One big disadvantage is when plotting a formation move along a coast for example the AI can't seem to keep some of the ships from running aground. If for example one plots the formation move up a north south coast line with the formation moving North and the coast to the west the ships on the west side of the formation tend to run aground.