This ship was named after Gretchen, the love interest of Bowdash, who intended to give her a ship as a gift. However, the Gretchen was "borrowed without permission" by John Smith, who later clashed with the Panther, a British Royal Navy frigate. During the battle, the Gretchen was heavily damaged by the cannon fire from the Panther, and Smith was forced to ran her aground on Driftwood Island to prevent sinking.