Draft:Ra (boat)
Solar-powered passenger boat in the Norfolk Broads
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
 | Review waiting, please be patient.
This may take 2 months or more, since drafts are reviewed in no specific order. There are 4,406 pending submissions waiting for review.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
Reviewer tools
|
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
This draft has been resubmitted and is currently awaiting re-review. |  |
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_Broads_Authority.jpg |
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.
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:
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.