HMS Excellent was a 74-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Harwich on 27 November 1787. She was the captaincy of John Gell before he was appointed an Admiral. Excellent took part in the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797. On 9 October 1799, Excellent chased the 18-gun Aréthuse. Aréthuse attempted to flee but part of her rigging broke during the night, and Excellent caught on during the night. After a brief fight, Aréthuse struck her colours. She was recommissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Raven.