Welcome to the Star Craft Owners’ Club Website!
* 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!
Mark Stanley, Commodore
February 2025
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!
Mark Stanley, Commodore
February 2025
Latest News
The boating season came to an abrupt end with the wettest September in a very long time. All reaches of the Thames were on red boards, and have remained that way much of the time since, severely limiting navigation. Let us hope we have a better spring ahead - February 2025.
"Hycilla": We recently heard from Fraser Pemberton who had news on Hycilla, a 40' Starcraft. Contrary to our records, this boat was originally owned by his grandfather's brother, Alfred Pemberton of Mobberley. The family business was World Distributors of Manchester, publishers of children's books. Fraser has kindly provided several photos including the one below of Hycilla being delivered.
"Hycilla" being delivered in 1960
"Louise Philippe" ran into trouble with a failed alternator on the port engine, an old CAV alternator. We were lucky enough to find ICS Online Ltd who are really helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to old alternators and starter motors. They specialise in the re-manufacture of obsolete CAV parts and also service Eberspacher and Webasto heaters.
Go to our "Links" page for more info.
Italian model maker, Marco Codifava has finished his build of a half-hull model of "Etoile de Paris" and what a wonderful effort it is. Read his interesting blogs which will be found by going to "The Boats/Marco Codifava -Model Maker's Blog".
News on "The Star":
"The Star" is the club's occasional magazine currently published by guest Editors. It includes informative and often humorous articles about the boats, cruising, club events, etc. Richard Walton came up with the idea of posting back editions (why didn't we think of that before?) and these can be found in the Member's area of the website. Thanks to Richard for his time in scanning many of these editions.
Go to our "Links" page for more info.
Italian model maker, Marco Codifava has finished his build of a half-hull model of "Etoile de Paris" and what a wonderful effort it is. Read his interesting blogs which will be found by going to "The Boats/Marco Codifava -Model Maker's Blog".
News on "The Star":
"The Star" is the club's occasional magazine currently published by guest Editors. It includes informative and often humorous articles about the boats, cruising, club events, etc. Richard Walton came up with the idea of posting back editions (why didn't we think of that before?) and these can be found in the Member's area of the website. Thanks to Richard for his time in scanning many of these editions.
The Trad Boat Festival at Henley is the highpoint of the season for owners of traditional boats and there was the usual good turnout from members of the SCOC. The weather did its best to dampen spirits but that didn't seem to stop the public supporting in large numbers. There is new life in the event and congratulations are due to the organising committee. The daily parades were hampered by the strong wind but the boats did finally get out for a sail past.
Leander Club lunch - August 2023. There was a good turnout for the lunch at Leander Club in Henley to mark the 30th anniversary of the club. Chris Edgerley gave an accomplished potted history of the club over the years and, for the gents at least, there was a chance to use the best loos in town! Thanks to our Commodore for organising the event.
