Draft:Ra (boat)

Submission declined on 15 May 2026 by Ca (talk).

This draft's references do not show that the subject meets Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion. The draft requires multiple published secondary sources that:

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Declined by Ca 4 months ago. Last edited by Ca 4 months ago. Reviewer: Inform author.

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Submission declined on 3 November 2025 by 11WB (talk).

This draft reads like an advertisement. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a platform for promotion or marketing. Drafts that are exclusively promotional may be deleted without notice.

Wikipedia articles must be written neutrally in a formal, impersonal, and dispassionate way. They should not read like a blog post, advertisement, or fan page. Rewrite the draft to remove:

promotional language: see Words to watch;
personal commentary: opinions or direct addresses to the reader;
informal language.

Instead, only summarize in your own words a range of independent, reliable, published sources that discuss the subject.

If you have a conflict of interest (e.g. you are the subject, an employee, or a relative) or are being paid to edit, you must disclose this to comply with Wikipedia's Terms of Use.

Declined by 11WB 11 months ago.

Comment: Also, the BBC link leads to a 404 page. Ca ^{talk to me!} 05:18, 15 May 2026 (UTC)

Comment: This draft currently reads in a promotional way. Including an infobox with correct statistics and information would be a good addition. See Template:Infobox ship. 11WB (talk) 23:39, 3 November 2025 (UTC)

Ra is a solar-powered passenger vessel operated by the Broads Authority on the Norfolk Broads in Norfolk, England. Launched in 2000, Ra is recognised as the first solar-powered passenger boat in the United Kingdom. The vessel features stainless-steel construction and dual 6.5 kW electric motors, allowing quiet, zero-emission trips along the Broads' waterways. It primarily serves educational tours, featuring wheelchair-access.

History

The Broads Authority commissioned Ra in 2000 as part of its commitment to sustainable boating and environmental protection. The boat was purpose-built at Kopf Solardesign in Germany. Initially, Ra operated on water bodies such as Barton Broad. In 2012, the boat was relocated to Whitlingham Country Park (Whitlingham Broad) near Norwich, and is currently based at Hoveton Riverside Park.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Specification
Length overall	9.1 m (≈ 29 ft 10 in)
Beam	2.75 m (≈ 9 ft)
Hull material	Stainless steel
Propulsion	Dual inboard electric motors (~6.5 kW each)
Solar panels	~14 panels (seven rows of two) [approximate; 1.8 kW]
Passenger capacity	Up to 12 (at skipper's discretion)
Accessibility	Wheelchair-accessible via ramp

Operation and route

Ra departs from Hoveton Riverside Park near Hoveton & Wroxham railway station, offering educational trips along the River Bure.

Environmental significance

Ra represents the Broads Authority’s commitment to zero-emission boating and protection of the Broads’ delicate ecosystems. The Authority has since developed a network of electric boat charging points and encourages the use of electric and hybrid propulsion for hire and private boats.

Accessibility

Ra sits high on the water to optimise visibility, departs from a location accessible via public transport, and includes wheelchair access.

References

↑ "Boat trips". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
↑ "Secret Broads Boat Trips". VisitTheBroads. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
↑ "What We Are Doing in the Broads". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
↑ "Norfolk Broads Chief Welcomes Use of Electric Boats". BBC News. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-24.
↑ "Green Boating Partnership Secures New Funding to Electrify the Broads". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

External links

[1] "Boat trips". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[2] "Secret Broads Boat Trips". VisitTheBroads. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[3] "What We Are Doing in the Broads". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[4] "Norfolk Broads Chief Welcomes Use of Electric Boats". BBC News. 30 May 2023. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

[5] "Green Boating Partnership Secures New Funding to Electrify the Broads". Broads Authority. Retrieved 2025-10-24.

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