Which admirals make useful career models?

Which admiral from the past would make the best template for a naval officer's career?

Geoffrey Hornby or Cuthbert Collingwood would be more practical career models than Nelson.

Geoffrey Hornby or Cuthbert Collingwood are recommended as templates for a naval officer's career. The choice distinguishes Nelson's extraordinary wartime usefulness from a model suited to routine professional development. Hornby represents preparation and judgment, while Collingwood offers a steadier example of service leadership. Heroic reputation and practical emulation are separate tests.