C. S. Forester · 1937 · sea

The voyage of HMS Lydia in The Happy Return (published in the United States as Beat to Quarters), the first-written of C. S. Forester's eleven Hornblower novels, set in 1808. Under secret Admiralty orders, Captain Horatio Hornblower sails round Cape Horn to the Pacific coast of Central America to foment a revolt against Spain and destroy a Spanish ship of the line, then makes the long passage home with the Duke of Wellington's sister aboard. The model for every fictional sailing captain since, from Aubrey to Kirk.

1. 1
   Plymouth

   Captain Hornblower sails under sealed orders, his destination a secret even from his crew.

2. 2
   Cape Horn

   Seven months down the Atlantic and round Cape Horn, the frigate Lydia a world unto herself.

3. 3
   Gulf of Fonseca

   To the Pacific coast of Central America, to arm the mad rebel El Supremo and hunt the Spanish ship Natividad.

4. 4
   Panama

   South to Panama for repairs, where the formidable Lady Barbara Wellesley comes aboard for the passage home.

5. 5
   Cape Horn

   And the long beat home, round the Horn once more.

6. 6
   St Helena

   Joining a homeward convoy at the lonely island of St Helena.

7. 7
   Plymouth

   The happy return to England, the mission accomplished and the heart in turmoil.