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 2022
Latest News
As the Covid situation gradually improves, we hope that we will be able to adhere to a more "normal" programme of events this year. In the meantime, Ben Ludford has produced a great edition of "The Star" which members will have access to under the Member's Area. Italian model maker, Marco Codifava has been in touch and plans to build a half-hull model of "Etoile de Paris". Read his interesting blogs which will be found by going to "The Boats/Marco Codifava -Model Maker's Blog".