From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

One acknowledged superior to all competitors.

Xebec: a. 8 guns

The Continental xebec Champion, commanded by Captain James Josiah, served in the Delaware in a force composed of ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State Navies. It was this force that contested British efforts to establish sea communications with their forces in Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. After several months of gallant fighting against heavy odds, the American ships attempted to run past Philadelphia. The State galleys succeeded but the Continental fleet, including Champion, was burned by its own officers on 21 November 1777, when tide and winds turned against them.