Static Boat The Runner

The lugger was a type of boat used by French privateers during the Revolution and the Empire.Rigged as a coastal trader, heavily rigged, the lugger was adopted by French privateers because of its mobility, but especially during the revolutionary and imperial era. It had three masts, including a mizzenmast, a very elongated bowsprit, several jibs, topsails, and a few courses.The Coureur, built in Dunkirk in 1776, had a very brief career as it was captured by the English on June 17, 1778 during the battle between the French frigate La Belle Poule and the English frigate HMS Arethusa.The Coureur was forced to lower its flag after suffering heavy losses in its crew and such damages that it could no longer steer. Its commander, Chevalier de Rosily, was taken prisoner and released in February 1780.He was awarded the Cross of Saint-Louis for his brilliant contribution to the success of his division.

The Coureur, after two hours of combat and a failed attempt to board, hit by about ten shots at the waterline, with 3 men killed and 7 mortally wounded, surrendered.The fate of the Coureur, after being captured by the English, is poorly known.

Was it recaptured by the French in 1782 as some authors claim? Was it captured by the Americans off the coast of Newfoundland in 1780?