As a few people have enquired, some detail on the ‘Bolitho’ novels I mentioned:

Author: KENT, Alexander
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE (Arrow Paperback in your territories?)
First title in series: MIDSHIPMAN BOLITHO
ISBN: 0 09 986350 2
(Next titles include Stand into Danger, In Gallant Company, Sloop of War,
To Glory We Steer, Command a King’s Ship… and another sixteen titles(!) ending with Sword of Honour.

This and subsequent titles chart the key protagonist’s rise through the British navy from 1772 through to the aftermath of the Napoleonic War. These yarns contain fascinating historical background, attractive characterisation, and much of the same general interest if you enjoy the Hornblower, Aubrey/Maturin, or Ramage series.