Peter Howe of the Norfolk Broads School of Sailing at Wroxham is coordinating the project. He told Boating Business : "We intend to make grants of up to £2,000 per boat for 18 boats over the next two years. We are hoping that a wide range of craft will come forward for conversion to demonstrate the feasibility of electric propulsion and the real environmental benefits for the waterways."

Information distributed by the Broads Authority with the annual tolls renewal has already produced lots of interest from boat owners, he added.

A number of Broads boatbuilders and yards have expressed interest in the project, including Cox's Boatyard at Barton Turf, John Williams at Stalham and Stelco, the business of Rupert Latham, well known champion of electric boating.

Estimating the total cost of conversion at about £7,000 per boat means the total value of the project is around £140,000.

More information from Peter Howe on 01603 783096 or info@norfolksailingschool.co.uk