Broads Authority's Solar Powered Boat Moves to Whitlingham

The Broads Authority’s trip boat Ra has moved to a new home at Whitlingham Country Park. Ra was the first solar powered passenger boat in the UK when it was brought to Norfolk in 2000. Since then she has offered wildlife trips on Barton Broad but now she has a new base where she will give visitors a taste of the Broads from the doorstep of the city of Norwich.

The 30ft, 12 seater boat was specially commissioned by the Authority and built in Germany. She arrived at the country park by wagon trailer on Friday 13th April. An inspection was carried out as part of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign to stop the spread of non-native shrimp within the Broads before she was craned into the water beside a new purpose-built pontoon.

Ra will offer four trips a day around the Great Broad from now until the end of October with expert guides offering information about the wildlife that can be seen there and information about how best to explore further into the Broads.

The Broads Authority’s Visitor Services Supervisor Sam Bates said: “Moving Ra to Whitlingham enables us to reach a much wider audience, specifically people who probably wouldn’t normally think of taking a traditional Broads boat trip. Hopefully this will inspire their enthusiasm for the area and encourage them to explore the wider Broads network.

“Additionally, Whitlingham attracts a large number of wheelchair using visitors and Ra’s ability to offer trips to these groups will provide an excellent opportunity for them to experience the pleasures of the waterways and the rich natural heritage and local history.“

Martin Shaw, Chair of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which owns the country park said: “Ra will be a huge asset to the country park. We have had so many calls asking about her since it was announced that the boat was coming here. She will enable the residents of Norwich to have a high tech experience on the water and get close to the abundant wildlife within a stone’s throw of the city centre.”

Phil Hardy, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education at Norfolk County Council, said: "We are thrilled to have Ra based at Whitlingham and are hopeful it will bring new visitors to the park, along with their families. It will also give people a chance to learn more about the Outdoor Education Centre and what we have on offer, which we hope will lead more children and young people to learn from the land and water based activities available.'

"The wildlife tours will also add another educational dimension to the park and help to develop it as a visitor attraction for Norfolk families and those visiting the area. The new attraction also arrives just ahead of our family activity day on Sunday (15 April) so we'd encourage people to come along this weekend and see what a fantastic attraction we have at Whitlingham."

Marguerite Explorer Classic Yacht

Saw this gorgeous Ketch yesterday while down at Haven Marina in Ipswich. I remember her sitting here years ago. Just Googled and she is the "Marguerite Explorer", a 1934 Danish ketch. She sank at the Port in 2008 and has been here ever since.. a real shame to see her like this. She is a wooden Dutch Ketch type that apparently weighes 70 tons!

Found some pics ( below) off the net from when she was salvaged...

Broom Commander

You may remember an earlier post in my BLOG about this classic wooden craft from the 1950s. 'White Heron' has been undergoing planking works to the hull at Brooms Boats. I had a return visit yesterday to see how things were going. Its nearly time for her to go back into the water now. She has been in the Broom family from new.  Her new owners may well take her down to the Thames.

The interior has been little changed since she was built, so retains the original character & quality of build. 

Iroko is a very durable wood; it does not require regular treatment with oil or varnish when used on the topsides. It is almost as durable as teak, although it does not have the same stability.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:
steventruss1@aol.com

Fairline 23 Holiday

Today I was at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Horning on the Northern Norfolk Broads surveying this Fairline 23 Holiday.

Take a Look at the Holiday Owners Club!

More Fairline 23 Holidays were built than any other Fairline Boat range. Between 1972 and 1984 a total of 594 were produced. Despite the slight change in dimensions of the later Mk111 version, all models have the standard layout of four berths in one open plan cabin. Two single berths forward which can convert to a double. And two single quarter berths amidships. The settee stretching across the aft end can also be used as a single.

John Bennett designed the Holiday, which has a hull which is deep vee back to amidships, but shallower and slightly rounder towards the transom, with a three quarter length keel to improve stability at low speeds. Various engine and stern drive installations were fitted. Mostly Volvos, but this example had the Marine BMW 190HP Petrol fitted giving up to 20 Knots.

Surveyors comments: A good diesel version can cost 13K +... you can get a Petrol boat for as little as 8K.. a lot of boat for the money!

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

New Broads campaign to save lives

The Broads Authority has joined forces with the Broads Hire Boat Federation, holiday booking agents Blakes/Hoseasons and the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, which represents private boaters, to ensure the safety message gets across.

It follows the deaths of five people on the Broads since April last year. None of them was wearing a lifejacket and it is believed that four of the victims might still be alive if they had been wearing one. Wear It posters will be displayed at boat yards around the Broads from Easter and hire boats will be issued with key rings displaying the safety message. Branded wind-up torches are also on sale in yacht stations and Broads Authority Information Centres.

Broads Authority Head of Safety Management Steve Birtles said: “People underestimate how dangerous it can be on the water but we hope, by making this Wear It message visible all over the Broads this season, we will get the message across loud and clear.

“One of the biggest dangers is when you’re getting on and off a boat and can fall between the boat and the shore – but it’s equally important when you’re on deck or tying up. If you fall in, a lifejacket will more than double your chance of survival.

“Getting people to change their behaviour can be difficult but positive peer pressure can really work so please set a good example and wear your life jacket .Where you lead others will follow.”

Tony Howes, Secretary of the BHBF said: “Our members have always provided lifejackets for hiring parties when they take over their boats and fully support this campaign to encourage wearing them, particularly at times when they are at most risk of accidentally falling in the water.”

Richard Card, Chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, said: “Anything which prevents the needless loss of life is to be welcomed. The NSBA strongly supports the ‘Wear It’ initiative.”

John Dalgleish, General Manager for Hoseasons Boating and Blakes, comments: “Everyone wants to have a fun, safe and enjoyable time on the Broads, which is why Hoseasons encourages all holidaymakers to wear a life jacket. We fully support the ‘Wear It’ campaign and will do all we can to help reinforce this lifesaving message.”