The ships cannot be controlled by the keys, A, S, D, W, and in 1.5.2 if one could. I hope that they arrange it for that it is very unconfortable
Linked issues
Comments 2
yeah, its to match the horse controls.
Not the best method but it is intentional
Dublicate of MC-14521.
Works as intended. You should read the wiki first before reporting things like that: http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Upcoming_features#Improvements_.26_changes_2