Welcome to the Star Craft Owners’ Club Website!
* Please see our latest news below *
Founded in 1993 by a group of devoted enthusiasts, the Star Craft Owners’ Club is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and enjoying these classic wooden motor cruisers built between 1946 and 1975 by William Bates & Son at their Chertsey boatyard on the River Thames.
This website serves as a meeting place for current and past owners, and all friends of Star Craft. We warmly invite you to explore our history, browse our gallery, and reconnect with these remarkable boats. If you once owned or knew a Star Craft, we hope you’ll share your stories, memories, and knowledge - your contributions help keep the legacy alive.
Star Craft inspire a special kind of loyalty and admiration, not only among those fortunate enough to own them, but also among the craftsmen who built them and the countless people who have watched them glide along the river. Their enduring appeal was on full display on 3rd June 2012, when seven Star Craft proudly participated in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.
We also have a Facebook group where members can connect, share updates and post photos, a great way to stay in touch with the wider community. Simply click the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page to join us there.
Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoy your time here, and perhaps even consider becoming a member of the Club yourself!
Ben Ludford, Commodore
November 2025
This website serves as a meeting place for current and past owners, and all friends of Star Craft. We warmly invite you to explore our history, browse our gallery, and reconnect with these remarkable boats. If you once owned or knew a Star Craft, we hope you’ll share your stories, memories, and knowledge - your contributions help keep the legacy alive.
Star Craft inspire a special kind of loyalty and admiration, not only among those fortunate enough to own them, but also among the craftsmen who built them and the countless people who have watched them glide along the river. Their enduring appeal was on full display on 3rd June 2012, when seven Star Craft proudly participated in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.
We also have a Facebook group where members can connect, share updates and post photos, a great way to stay in touch with the wider community. Simply click the Facebook icon at the bottom of the page to join us there.
Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoy your time here, and perhaps even consider becoming a member of the Club yourself!
Ben Ludford, Commodore
November 2025
Latest News
14th March 2026 - SCOC AGM - 6pm start at Penton Hook Yacht Club, Mixnams Lane, Chertsey, KT16 8PY. We hope to see as many members as possible. Please let Debbie or Karen know if you can make it.
"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.
