Does the Venture actually exist?

Solution 1:

I've only played WC on the SNES, and it's been forever since I've played it, but in searching for "Venture" in the FAQ on GameFAQS.com it does mention the word once as part of the secret missions (no idea why they are secret).

From the FAQ (emphasis mine):

7.2.1 Goddard 1 Defend, strike, escort, sweep... What don’t you do in this mission?

N01 has 4 Salthi and a Lumbari. Asteroids with 2 Salthi are at N12. At N2 you need to protect the Diligent from 3 Krants. When you reach N3, the Venture-class corvette is under attack by 3 Krants. As you escort it to the Claw 3 Salthis attack.

At N12, try to lure the Salthis out of the asteroid field to fight them. Save the missiles for the fight at N2, as the Diligent is more fragile than the corvette.

Take this with as much salt as you like.