CLAYTON — Despite swirling rumors, the apparent owner of the Lady M, the 164-foot yacht that docked here Saturday, is not former Beatle Ringo Starr, but Lord Ashcroft, an Australian businessman, politician and philanthropist.

Times intern Gabrielle Hovendon interviewed an "anonymous guest" from the boat who said the owner was "here with his guests and friends, thoroughly enjoying it."

"I can confirm that there's nobody Americans would know on board. You can forget all that Ringo Starr stuff," he added.

Later, the gentleman called Ms. Hovendon and told her he was, in fact, the owner. Although he would not identify himself, he said he would call her in a month and do so then.

Barbara Maddocks, director of development for the Antique Boat Museum, said Lord Ashcroft and his wife toured the museum Saturday while the yacht was moored in Clayton. She confirmed he was a passenger on it.