Welcome to the Star Craft Owners’ Club Website!
* Stop Press! Please see our latest news below. *
The Star Craft Owners’ Club, started by a group of devoted owners in 1993, is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these classic wooden motor cruisers, built between 1946 and 1975 by William Bates & Son in their boatyard at Chertsey on the River Thames.
One of the primary goals of the club website is to connect with past owners and other Star Craft friends in hope that you might share your stories and knowledge of these boats. We wish you an enjoyable visit to the website and that you find some of your old wooden friends. We urge you to share your memories!
Star Craft inspire enthusiasm and loyalty, not only in those lucky enough to own them, but also in the craftsmen who built them and in many who have simply watched them go by on the river. On 3rd June 2012 no fewer than seven Star Craft were proud to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.
We have even moved into the modern world and have a Facebook Group set up whereby club members can post and upload photos, a great way of keeping in touch with fellow members. Click on the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page.
So once again, welcome to the website – and perhaps to the Club itself!
Nicky Pinkney, Commodore
November 2020
One of the primary goals of the club website is to connect with past owners and other Star Craft friends in hope that you might share your stories and knowledge of these boats. We wish you an enjoyable visit to the website and that you find some of your old wooden friends. We urge you to share your memories!
Star Craft inspire enthusiasm and loyalty, not only in those lucky enough to own them, but also in the craftsmen who built them and in many who have simply watched them go by on the river. On 3rd June 2012 no fewer than seven Star Craft were proud to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.
We have even moved into the modern world and have a Facebook Group set up whereby club members can post and upload photos, a great way of keeping in touch with fellow members. Click on the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page.
So once again, welcome to the website – and perhaps to the Club itself!
Nicky Pinkney, Commodore
November 2020
Latest News
Regrettably, we have recent news from ADLS to the effect that Dunkirk 2021 (postponed from 2020) has been cancelled. This perhaps is no surprise given the current situation and the next return is now scheduled for 2025. The 'Oostende at Anchor' event in May is still in the calendar but may well be cancelled or subject to restriction.
There is some good news in that passage under Hammersmith Bridge is now permitted on Sundays by prior arrangement and subject to control measures. Please refer to PLA Notice to Mariners U19.
There is some good news in that passage under Hammersmith Bridge is now permitted on Sundays by prior arrangement and subject to control measures. Please refer to PLA Notice to Mariners U19.