Naimi Sandström is captain today. She has both radar and an echo sounder to aid her if there is poor visibility.
– Thursday through Saturday the boat departs from Sjökrogen in Skelleftehamn, says Ronny Lindström.
There are three departures per day out to Gåsören and Örviken. Between Monday and Wednesday Ronny’s boats go from Furugrunden out to Hamnskär and Halsön.
– At Gåsören you can go swimming, walk on a path of cultural history interest, look at the lighthouse or just enjoy the surroundings, Ronny says.
This boat was bought last winter and will be rebuilt so that more people can access the archipelago.
– We will make it wheelchair accessible with a cover in the stern.
When Norran comes to visit skipper Naimi Sandström is captain and August Carling is deck staff.
– I’ve done these routes for four years now. It’s a lot of fun, says Naimi.
August and she did the same shipmaster programme at Marina läroverket in Danderyd.
– We usually take turns being captain. It’s fun to change things around, August says.
Before August casts off from Sjökrogen, three people turn up by the jetty.
– Can we come with you? asks Per-Erik Lundahl.
– Absolutely, step onboard, you can pay by swish or card, says Ronny.
The boat then chugs along from the harbour towards Gåsören.
– Some people book in advance but you can also turn up and hope there is space. This boat takes twelve passengers and when it’s time for Örock we take all the boats down to Skelleftehamn so more people can go out, Ronny says.
Kristine Persson, Per-Erik Lundahl and Alexander Lindahl will stay out at Gåsören for swimming and coffees, then they will get on the last boat back at 16:30.
After 20 minutes Naimi steers the boat towards Gåsören. Then they will go to Örviken where two local residents get off. When the boat turns off to sjökrogen again, half an hour has passed.
– We will be taking people out until August 6, says Ronny Lindström.