 In May 1794, a large French fleet put to sea to ensure the safety of an American grain convoy and was intercepted far out in the Atlantic at the Glorious First of June by the British Channel Fleet, the most powerful of the Royal Navy's fleets and the force assigned to restrict French movements from Brest.The French suffered a serious defeat, losing seven ships, but managed to retire in good order and saved the grain convoy.Later in June 1794 the British Fleet again put to sea, but was caught in a storm and many ships were badly damaged.