She was modeled on the plans for Iris, which was designed by the French naval engineer Hubert in 1817.

Eventually, their role was expanded to include surveillance and protection of merchant shipping off the African and West Indian coasts.

The proposal for a replica vessel was taken up by several public and private interests in Brest, which formed Goelette la Recouvrance organisation to oversee the project.

Construction on the ship began in 1991, and employed both volunteer and paid labour.

She occasionally attends maritime festivals, and has visited many European nations.