HMS Experiment was launched in 1793, the only lugger actually designed and built for the British Royal Navy.

Experiment was the only lugger specifically designed and built for the Royal Navy, and rather unusually, she had three masts.

Lloyd's List reported on 7 March 1794 that the lugger Experiment had taken a Danish brig near Calais.

[4] On 3 October 1796 Experiment was off Cabo de Gata when she sighted a convoy that Hayes believed was under Sir Hyde Parker, whom he knew was in the area.

Experiment had been sent to the area to watch for any signs of a French fleet, and Hayes decided to close with the convoy to see if there was any new information.

When he came on deck half an hour later he was horrified to discover that the frigate was not only very close but she was now sailing parallel to Experiment.