The Defender was built at the northern N.S.W boat building port of Kincumber in 1896 by
George Frost.
In the late 1800's the Australian trading ketches were renowned worldwide for their speed, maneuverability and the hardiness of the Australians that sailed them.
The Defenders legendry status was based on her speed and cargo capacity. She earnt her reputation as a fast, sea kindly trader plying some of the most inhostpitable waters in the southern hemisphere around the notorious Bass Strait.
