Fähnrich Hornblower by C.S. Forester

Set during the French Revolutionary Wars, this collection of early naval adventures follows a young, nervy midshipman as he learns seamanship, discipline and leadership aboard Royal Navy ships; through episodic missions—handling navigation and discipline, surviving combat and daring boarding actions, and facing blockades and storms—he slowly overcomes self-doubt, hones tactical skill, and earns the hard-won respect of his peers and superiors.