Star Boating Club

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Star Boating Club is a Wellington-based rowing club on the waterfront near Whairepo Lagoon. It is the oldest rowing club in Wellington, founded in 1866, and one of New Zealand’s oldest active sporting clubs. The club’s building is a Category 1 Historic Place and the motto is Semper Refulgens.

Founding and early years
The club began in 1866 after a meeting to form a Wellington Regatta Club. It was officially established as the Star Regatta Club in 1867 with four boats, soon renamed Star Boating Club. In 1881, Star and Union Rowing Club Christchurch helped shape the modern club rowing races. By 1903, membership grew to more than 400.

World wars and notable members
The club faced tough times during the Great Depression and both World Wars, with many members serving overseas. A Star Platoon was attached to Wellington Regiment’s B Company during WWII. Notable members included George Cooke, a leading oarsman in the 1920s and 1930s who was killed in action in WWII, and Lord Bernard Freyberg, a former Governor-General and Victoria Cross recipient.

Anniversaries
The club’s 50th anniversary was delayed because of WWII. It celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2016.

Clubhouses and architecture
Star Boating Club has had three clubhouses as Wellington grew. The first shed was near the Wellington Cenotaph; in 1874 the club moved to a second shed by Plimmer’s Wharf on Victoria Street. The current building was completed in 1886, designed by club member and architect William Chatfield, and built on sleepers so it could move with land reclamation. It opened on 7 June 1886 and was shifted on rails in 1889. In 1989, part of the waterfront redevelopment moved the building to its present site and it was refurbished. After the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the clubhouse was strengthened.

Today
Star Boating Club welcomes rowers of all ages, from juniors to masters, and has produced many national and international competitors. It remains an active part of Wellington’s rowing scene with about 200 members. The club is affiliated with the Wellington Rowing Association (WRA) and Rowing New Zealand (RNZ). It hosts or participates in several major events, including the Mothes Shield, Redding Shield, Norton Cup, Queens Cup, Xmas Regatta, Cambridge Town Cup, North Island Club Championships, and National Club Championships. For more information, visit starboatingclub.com.