After joining the crew of an AWOL Confederate steamer, an idealistic medical student must survive the savagery of the ship’s captain and crew in order to take part in the destruction of a Union whaling fleet in the Pacific Ocean.

Sounds like a great idea Nicholas, glad to hear it happened.

Actually, for the most part, yes it is accurate.

In fact, the full story is that the CSS Shenandoah was on a mission to take down Union whaling boats in the pacific ocean. It landed at Williamstown, a port near Melbourne Australia. There was some tension, as the British controlled Australian port (in an attempt to remain neutral) was ordered not to assist in repairs, but it ended up that the ship was indeed repaired, and 40 young Australians stowed away on board. Once in international waters, the 40 were enlisted, and the mission resumed.
They had an insane number of battles, sinking heaps of Union ships, up around the north of Australia. The Shenandoah also happens to be the ship that fired the last shot of the conflict; word hadn't reached them of the end of the civil war until months later.
Finally, knowing that they'd be tried as pirates if they returned to US shores (which is what ultimately happened), they refitted the ship and tried to lay low, but eventually docked in the UK.

Absolutely fantastic feedback. Thanks mate - I'll mull it over some more.