The club went through darker times during the Great Depression, and 150 and 117 Star members shipped out to serve in World War I and II, respectively.

[6][7] Star members at the time included George Cooke (the club's top oarsman in the 1920s and 30s who was killed in action in WWII) and Lord Freyberg (of Freyberg Pool fame, former Governor General and Victoria Cross recipient).

It maintains a strong membership of Wellingtonians who still deem it an honour to wear the blue and white colours.

Over the years, the expansion of Wellington City and the development of its shoreline necessitated the Club to move four times.

[13] Between 1969 and 1973 Downstage Theatre occupied the clubrooms while the rowing club continued to operate from the ground floor.

Star Boating Club caters for all levels of rowing from juniors to masters and has produced many successful national and international rowers.