HMS Jupiter (1778)

HMS Jupiter was a 50-gun Portland-class fourth-rate ship of the Royal Navy. She served during the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars in a career that spanned thirty years. She was also one of the fastest ships in the Royal Navy as shown by her attempt to capture the cutter Eclipse under Nathaniel Fanning.

Built in Rotherhithe, she was launched in 1778. On 1 April 1779 she assisted HMS Delight (1778) after Delight captured the French 20-gun privateer Jean Bart.

On 2 October 1779, Jupiter captured two French cutters, each of 14 guns and 120 men. The Royal Navy took both into service essentially under their existing names. One was Mutine, under the command of Chevalier de Roquefeiul. She was pierced for 16 guns but carried 14, either 4 or 6-pounders. The other was Pilote, under the command of Chevalier de Clonard. She carried the same armament as Mutine (or Mutin). The cutters surrendered after an engagement that left Mutin dismasted.

Jupiter fought at the battle of Porto Praya in 1781 and the Battle of Muizenberg in 1795, winning the battle honour 'Cape of Good Hope' for the latter.

Fate
She was wrecked on 10 December 1808 in Vigo Bay, but all her crew were saved.