The Advance was a composite schooner built in 1874 at Auckland, that was wrecked when it drifted onto rocks at Henrys Head, Botany Bay, New South Wales, on 12 June 1902, whilst carrying ballast between Wollongong and Newcastle.

Ship description and construction

During the 1870s, the shipbuilding trade in and around Auckland was rapidly expanding, with shipbuilding occurring in numerous little bays and harbours due to the abundant timber suitable for shipbuilding purposes. The Advance, a wooden schooner of 51 tons, was built in Tolaga Bay in 1874. She made her maiden trading voyage in mid-January 1875 from Port of Auckland to Gisborne carrying passengers, 20 tons of coal, lumber, flour and other general cargo.

Service history

The Advance was a regular trader between East Coast ports Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton, under the ownership of Mr. John Trimmer. The vessel was then purchased by Messrs Keans and Company, and was for some years commanded by Captain Kennedy.

While she operated in Australia, the Advance became a well known schooner, employed in the coastal coal trade and for a number of years trading between Sydney and the Northern and Southern collieries.