Aventurier was built as a privateer to a design by Jean-Louis Pestel,[1] but the French navy requisitioned her while she was still in the stocks.

She was fitted out at Le Havre in October–November 1793, though there were problems with respect to arming her fully.

She then patrolled between Havre and Dieppe, first under captain Fallouard,[3] and then under Lieutenant Harang.

Refloated, she cruised near the Île de Batz under Lieutenant Hurtel.

[4] The subsequent court martial of Lieutenant Raffi, who had been wounded at the start of the attack on his vessel, acquitted him for the loss.