about halcyon days

Halcyon days are days to withdraw and find rest in the midst of life’s storms.  We offer you the opportunity to come aboard the sailing ship Genevieve Challenge during the month of October whilst we remain anchored in the beautiful cove of Panormos on the island of Skopelos.                  

You can come and go at any time during this period into a program that is particularly flexible allowing you to plan your own day and participate in as much or as little as you care in the activities that we will organize according to the interests of the guests.

Halcyon is the Greek word for the Kingfisher (a small brilliantly blue green colored fishing bird) of which there are many in this cove.  Greek mythology refers to the kingfisher which the gods saw fit to protect during the winter, by giving 12 days of crisp blue sunny days of calm weather so as their nests along the seashore would not be destroyed by the rough seas.  It is from this that we get the English expression halcyon days, - days of respite in the midst of life's storms.  These 12 days or so are a weather phenomenon experienced each year in the middle of January, - known in Greek as "alkyonides imeres".

During your stay you’ll be able to go ashore and explore, walk along forest trails or rent a car or motorbike and join a guided tour or simply go off alone or with a friend and experience a landscape and village life and architecture that is unchanged for generations.  Skopelos island is rich in history and tradition that makes for fascinating discoveries.   

With the still warm October days as is the sea, you may be up for more action and so like to learn to windsurf or dive with mask and snorkel among the rocky outcrops and crystal clear waters of the cove and nearby beaches. Many however, simply enjoy to lay on deck in the warm sunshine with a book and just chill out.

 You’ll have the option to go into town or to the tavernas across the bay and enjoy a traditional Greek meal or stay aboard enjoying in house meals for which Sandra our cook is famous for. 

Meal times are particularly flexible to allow sleeping in, and to fit around planned activities during the day, with the possibility of lunch packs so as you can wander about, and a relatively early evening meal to allow outings after dinner or times of fellowship aboard with discussions about life, purpose, meaning and what the Creator intended for us or simply to enjoy a private talk or board games or just an early nights sleep.

If you’re interested in such a holiday where relaxation and recreation are the bottom line, go to the check availability page on this website, fill in and submit the form and we’ll get back to you with how to proceed assuming places are still available.

You may find answers to further questions that you may have in FAQ’s.  Take a look and if you still have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.