Soldiers Point celebrates 60 years

Soldiers Point Marina tell us it's very proud to be celebrating its 60th birthday this year.

Staff at the marina sent us a brief snapshot past 60 years. From humble beginnings to Australian Marina of the Year (three times) and 5 Gold Anchor Recipient

In 1948, the Thonwhalla Wharf was built at West Beach and replaced later by a bigger wharf and the original boatshed in 1954 for Fred Hansen (who later became NSW Police Commissioner).

George Ridgeway helped to build and later manage the boatshed until it was sold to the McNaughton family.

In 1961, Ray and Mary Penny bought the boatshed and gained approval for living quarters in the roof space. The Penny family’s source of income was renting out hire boats, both rowing and powered. All the boats were painted bright yellow so they could be easily seen from the boatshed.

The Holbert family bought the boatshed in 1968, followed in 1970 by Dick Thompson Marine. John and Robyn White and their young family spent three happy years at the boatshed from 1977 to 1980 during which time John built the southern slipway.

David Cook bought the boatshed in 1980 but sold it in 1984 to Ken Stewart who in 1985 extended the marina to 60 berths.

In 2000 the marina was purchased by Clippers Anchorage who has totally rebuilt both the water and land facilities to make it into the world-class facility we see to-day.