For those having difficulties with naval terminology, seek out a copy of "A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'B

For those having difficulties with naval terminology, seek out a copy of "A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian" by Dean King. Hornblower's naval terminology is the same as O'Brian's, and it's great guide to both.