I remember reading it a couple of years ago.  It is about a girl named Catherine or Elizabeth, I believe.  She is about 12 years old.  It is set in the past.  Her dad is the captain of a ship.  It is a series.  I read the second book, and they were sailing around some islands.  They get into all kinds of trouble and almost get killed at times. 

That's about all I can remember.

Does anyone know what I am talking about?