Gay men, or at least paederasts, do feature in one or two of POB's books; Aubrey talks about a fellow-captain, and opines that p's in general are not the best captains, as they will have favourites (i.e. sexual partners) among the men, causing unrest among the rest of the crew. Can't remember which book; there are one or two other mentions too. But neither A nor M appear to be opposed on any general principle.

I take it we can be confident the next one won't be called 'Master & Commander II'?

Guest, did you see 'Pirates of the Caribbean'? You might enjoy it more than'M&C'!