Auckland’s Westhaven Marina is more than just a place to berth boats – it’s one of the city’s enduring touchpoints with its maritime roots. And right at the heart of this heritage sits the Start Tower – a compact structure on the edge of the marina that has signalled the beginning (and end) of countless yacht races for nearly seven decades. Recently, this much-loved piece of local infrastructure has been given a new lease of life through a careful refurbishment that honours its past while preparing it for the future.
What is the Start Tower?
Originally established in 1956, the Start Tower was constructed by the Auckland Harbour Board as part of a solution to navigational challenges brought on by the building of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Yacht races had to be controlled safely without interfering with the heavy construction traffic in the Waitematā Harbour. The tower, then known as the Starters Box, provided a shared facility for Auckland’s yacht clubs to manage race starts and finishes efficiently.
Perched along the Westhaven seawall, the tower was accessed via a 100-metre-long walkway. It quickly became an integral part of the city’s racing culture. The walkway was later removed in 1983 during carpark developments, but the tower itself remained firmly in place until it was shifted eastward during a marina expansion in 2000.
A hub of stories – shotguns, sailors and start signals
Westhaven Marina is home to countless memories and traditions, and few places carry as many colourful stories as the Start Tower. Over the years, this humble structure has seen it all – from misfired guns to mistaken identities – as told by those who used it.
In the early days, race signals were delivered not with electronics but with shotguns. According to the team at Westhaven, one of the more infamous characters from this era was Min Harold, whose enthusiasm for the job occasionally got the better of him. On more than one occasion, his trigger finger proved a bit too eager, blowing out the Start Tower’s north-facing window mid-signal. To manage the risk, a steel firing tube was later installed through the wall – an attempt to keep the glass (and race officials) intact. Still, even this measure didn’t prevent another starter, Ron Copeland, from accidentally shattering the same window again – this time just by loading the shotgun.
Then there was Jo “The Pipe” Clark, a well-known figure in the Westhaven community, remembered for his distinctive style and relaxed approach. Jo would think nothing of slinging the shotgun over his shoulder and strolling back to the car park after a day’s racing. That casual act once caused enough concern to trigger an Armed Offenders Squad callout – a dramatic misunderstanding that’s still talked about today.
These stories, shared by the Westhaven Marina team, reflect a different era – when race days had a more hands-on, and occasionally hair-raising, approach. Unsurprisingly, the tower eventually moved on from firearms and adopted the much safer hooter system for race signalling. It was a welcome upgrade, both for the safety of the structure and the peace of mind of those nearby.
Recent refurbishments
The recent refurbishment has been extensive and thoughtful. The exterior has been reclad in vitex timber – a durable, sustainably sourced hardwood known for its weather resistance. Inside, the tower has received upgrades to its electrical and plumbing systems, bringing the facility up to modern standards. A high-visibility yellow marker was added to the water-facing side, ensuring the tower remains easy to spot from the water.
The renovation preserves the building’s iconic silhouette while enhancing its usability and durability – a vital update for a structure exposed to the harsh marine environment year-round.
Looking forward
The Start Tower is more than a small building on the edge of the marina – it’s a symbol of Auckland’s sailing culture and a testament to its maritime traditions. With Westhaven Marina planning further developments, including upgrades along the northern reclamation to address sea level rise, the tower’s rejuvenation is timely.
As a functioning race command centre, historical landmark, and local talking point, the Start Tower is set to remain an essential feature of Westhaven Marina. The restoration ensures it will continue to serve Auckland’s sailing community for generations to come – starting races, ending races, and standing quietly as a custodian of countless stories in between.
Reference: https://www.westhaven.co.nz/about/news-events/refurbishing-the-start-tower/
