BIG THANK YOU

Richard & the team would like to do a final roll call of ‘Thank yous’ to all of the people who pulled together to get the Mallorca

Richard Krugel – one cool dude

360 project completed, raise lots of dosh for Allen Graham Charity and also set a new World Record.  I have heard this week that Richard has been nominated for an award and I will be posting information on how you can vote very soon – so watch out!

Lots of people here in Mallorca (and other places) helped enormously by donating not only their money, but also their time and contacts … so here goes:

BIG THANK YOU ….

Nic Kluwe – who helped Richard all the way round, mixing up the daily routine, keeping Richard sustained, in good spirits and safe. Hooking his charge out of the drink on more than one occasion when the going was too rough.

Big thank you to No.2 Crew Michael for being on board in such rough conditions.

Svante and Steve from ETY for all of the logistical help and, of course, the Champagne at the finishing post.

Atlantis the customised support Llaut

Alberto Camina – for providing Atlantis the trusty little support vessel for the trip. (Not sure if Nic has returned it yet – or if he’s tried to buy it from you – I know he became rather attached).

Ports de Islas Baleares – particularly Sr David Gomez Picard for helping with the Moorings on our way around the island.

Likewise Juan Marc Club Nautico Cala Gamba and Agata Club Nautico S’Estanyol

Micky Davies Avance Cars Portals Nous for the land support vehicle.

Darren Applelec Yacht for those rather snazzy T shirts. There is still time to buy one (Please get yourself over to AGC Shop

Las Salinas Lighthouse – a big milestone

before you miss out on this collectors’ item).

Simon Relph The Islander Magazine – for publicizing and support.

Nicholas Stael von Holstein for providing the Medical Kit which came in handy on a few occasions when those Jellyfish came out to play.

Pure Super Yacht refit – for paying Skipper Nic’s wages.

Pinmar for help and support.

Nick at Sunbird Yachts for helping sort the berth out when the team arrived back in Portals together with the Captain of Puerto Portals Port.

That is more like it

Eric Woolger and Helen O Pitt on S/Y Beaugeste for pulling strings, arranging the wrap party at Wellies and generously supporting and donating.

Lachlan Stewart of Clearwater Productions for the great filming of Mallorca 360

Mark & Nikki Adamson – Yacht Charter Mezzo Magic Soller for helping Richard & the crew out at a particularly fraught time on the way round, and your generous offer of home comforts food etc.

Helen for lending Richard your apartment in Genova

Skipper Nic and Head Cook & Bottle Washer Michael

Geoffrey Wellies Portals for generously assisting with the party on Sunday.

Lorenzo of Yachtiepedia for filming those final moments.

Finally of course Richard’s lovely wife and parents for all their support.

Sincere apologies if I have missed anyone here. All the help was so appreciated by both Richard and Allen Graham Charity.

RIchard is now back in South Africa with his family after a week in very chilly Sweden – dreaming of jellyfish and thinking about his next project!

Down in one!

Day 22 – Mallorca 360 – Complete!

Saturday morning and just as the sun rose over Palma Richard, Nic and crew were out of Portals – having been supplied with a

Richard & Annika Krugel glad to be back home!

little coffee from Helen who was on Beaugeste alongside. With just a little tension in the air, they headed back to the waypoint.

Because this is Mallorca 360 and the weather has been a problem throughout, it came as no surprise that even on this, the final day, the team were met with a choppy sea, although to be fair, it was washing Richard in the right direction.

Richard got into the water on the 22^nd day at 9.15 and swam towards the finishing line.

Arriving at Illetas around 12 noon, Richard rested up, whilst Nic dashed back to Portals to collect Cameraman Lachlan Stewart, who joined Richard to make a film about the final day.

Out the way Norwegian Epic – we’ve got a man swimming here!

Simultaneously – with slightly eschewed information, a number of us were already waiting on the beach at Ciudad Jardin alongside the Velas for Richard to arrive, when word came through that they were still at Illetas. Probably this was all for the best because at that moment, a number of huge cruise liners including gargantuan Norwegian Epic passed through Palma harbour which surely would have created serious problems for Richard.

Richard got back into the sea at the final waypoint at 1.45 and swam the

Here he comes!

last 5 Kilometres directly over to Ciudad Jardin, carefully weaving his way through the hundreds of small sailing craft out in the bay enjoying the brisk conditions.

Families, friends sponsors and photographers reconvened on the beach

at 3.30 and waited nervously until trusty little Atlantis came bobbing into view. It seemed to take ages for them to get close enough for us to see Richard’s arms lifting out of the sea as he swam towards us. I don’t know who was more relieved as he edged towards the beach, Richard, his wife Annika or his Mother who taught him to swim as a young lad in South Africa.

Relief all round as Richard arrives back at Ciudad Jardin

Ironically, both Richard and Nic’s sons were jumping in the huge waves, enjoying the moment, as youngest Roy sat carefully guarding the champagne (sensible boy – takes after his Mother)

Richard Krugel emerged from the sea, an unassuming hero, who has just made history and set a World Record. He really is The Man from Atlantis…. It was very emotional; then Sante from sponsor ETY cracked open one of the very large bottles of Champagne and the celebrations on the beach began.

In addition to actually swimming 360 Kilometres, during the last 22 days

Skipper Nic and Head Cook & Bottle Washer Michael

around Mallorca, Richard has endured some of the worst weather conceivable. He has also suffered a few nasty injuries, which were made light of along the way, but for a lesser man would have meant the end.

An unwelcome shoulder injury on the first day could have been a real problem because of its continual use, but Richard managed to work through the pain and eventually it calmed down. A stomach bug also knocked him sideways but again he endured and got through it.

My Mum told me to keep an eye on those bottles!

Richard relied heavily on his skipper Nic who not only did a great job steering support vessel Atlantis throughout, but he also mixed things up daily to keep Richard alert and on more than one occasion fished him out when the conditions got too much. So big thank you to Nic Kluwe, another modest star!

The toughest things of the adventure, aside from the injuries was the bad weather which kept them stuck for two days on the east coast and they just could not progress up around Alcudia. The Jellyfish were also out in force – a total nightmare. WOWSA’s strict rules meant that Richard was not allowed to wear a protective suit

High points? – Getting round those lighthouses at Cap Formentor and Cala Figuera was a big moment for the team. Also

Down in one!

swimming 18 Kilometres on a day when the weather was so grim – it was a personal feat and something Richard is particularly proud of.

So what now for Richard? Back to the trading floor in South Africa after a brief visit to Sweden whilst Nic is working on his own project here in Mallorca. Will life ever be the same? Will they team up again for another major adventure?

Someone mentioned something about swimming across the Atlantic ….. hah I’m joking!

There is still time to donate if you haven’t already done so, there is still time to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it. Buy yourself a Mallorca 360 T shirt – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.

Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

Day 21 – It’s the final countdown.

On the penultimate day of the Mallorca 360 Challenge, Richard set off from the waypoint at Cala Llamp in very rough seas (no

Figuera Lighthouse – Bay of Palma here we come!

change there then!) and swam for three hours arriving at Port Adriano.

After a well deserved break, Richard got back into the water and carried on for almost a further three hours and with the finish line almost in sight, he managed a total of 16.65 Kilometres, finishing up just past Portals. An incredible distance considering how choppy the sea was.

With a little help from Helen O Pitt, aided and abetted by Nick at Sunbird Yachts and the Captain of Portals, Atlantis had a nice local berth for the night on Quay 2 at Puerto Portals. Word went out and Richard and company received a warm welcome from sponsors, folk from the charity and locals who needed no excuse for an early celebration.

Choppy Seas right to the last.

The final day has dawned and although there isn’t much wind in the bay of Palma this morning, it looks like there is a bit of swell going on. Richard is going to set off this morning and weave his way across the bay of Palma to the finish point at Ciudad Jardin. As anyone who has observed the bay of Palma at the weekend will know, this is going to be a tricky final morning. The traffic coming in and out, not to mention the big ferries heading over to Ibiza is non stop, so I hope Nic has got himself a loud speaker to use – he’s going to need it.

There is still time to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of

Signs of civilisation

endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it. Buy yourself a Mallorca 360 T shirt – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.

Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

Day 20 and one clean sweep through Dragonera

As this epic ´Mallorca 360’ Adventure draws to a close, Richard Krugel seems to be gaining in strength as he went steaming

Dragonera – we’re coming straight at ya!

past Dragonera yesterday. Could be all the amazing support he’s getting is adding the vaa vaa voom, or could it be the thought of a lie in? Probably the latter me thinks.

On day 20, Richard set off at half nine, and swam for 9 Kilometres in a head wind. The team then went back to Andratx for a Pizza and a well deserved rest before the second leg when Richard managed another 5.5 Kilometres, finishing up for the night at Cala Llamp, just in time to dash home for his little one’s first birthday celebrations.

Rubber ducks all at sea

This morning (Friday) Richard will begin his swim from the waypoint at Cala Llamp and with Malgrats in their sights they are heading straight for the lighthouse at Figuera. It’s all downhill from there (jokes) across the bay to Palma, back to Ciudad Jardin where he kicked off some 3 weeks ago.

We are hoping that they will be able to arrange a berth for Atlantis this

Adios west coast of Mallorca – Palma here we come!

evening at Portals which means they will be arriving at Portals later (details will be posted on the FB page).

Without wishing to repeat myself (but I am going to) If you haven’t already done so, there is still time to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it. Buy yourself a Mallorca 360 T shirt – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.

Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

Day 19 – Wicked Wednesday … great progress

Day 19 started well. Richard woke up feeling good and that was the main concern for the day.

Leaving the waypoint at just after 9.30 Richard swam 8.75 in the first three hours and after a fair rest, he managed the distance

Some passing German fans we met along the way.

same again on the second leg. A shorter third swim saw a whopping 18.5 Kilometres total covered for the whole day.

The conditions were changeable, the wind got up but dropped out just as quickly and although there was a bit of a swell, nothing was going to stop Richard cracking on and making up for lost time.

All in all it was a good day. With Richard’s wife Annika on board, the team saw some massive feeding fish, which looked like Tuna and also dolphins were spotted again.

The day ended just at the start of the Dragonera channel and Richard and crew retired to Andratx for the night.

They can almost smell home – and all being well, Richard is hoping to get back to the finishing point some time this weekend. We will keep you posted.

Blue sea blue sky

If you haven’t already done so, there is still time to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it. Buy yourself a Mallorca 360 T shirt – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham

Rested up and good to go

Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.  Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

DAY 17 … CHOPPY SEAS

Setting off just after 9am, Day 17 started off fairly well. A brisk day for sailing and in the first two hour stint, Richard covered 5.2

Entering Soller Harbour

Km.

After a break of 1 hour 20 mins, at Sa Foradada, the second leg was beset by really nasty conditions. The sea was choppy and the strong headwinds weren’t helping the cause.

Sometimes the conditions are in your favour – sometimes they work against you. The mixing swell prevented Richard from getting into a decent rhythm but he battled on regardless and swam for a further 3.6km.

There are lots of locals out there supporting Richard and the team with genuinely kind offers, which are really appreciated, each and every one of them – thank you very much.

RICHARD BATTLING ON

Today is another day, fingers crossed the conditions are a little more favourable. There are a few more photographs to share with you so make sure you check out our facebook page as well – Mallorca 360.

If you would like to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it.

The problem with Jellyfish! is they are always a problem!

Treat yourself to a funky Mallorca 360 T shirt – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.

Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

DAY 16 – EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING

After super Saturday, Day 16 kicked off from Sa Calobra, slightly later at around 10am in a reasonable sea; the long clean

Are we there yet?

waves were actually quite helpful to our man Richard. So helpful in fact that he managed to swim 10 kilometres in three hours during the first leg.

At half time everyone was happy, despite the Sunday traffic and the constant ferries causing a bit of mayhem.

Pretty Puerto Soller on the N coast

The afternoon conditions remained calm, despite an hour of wind and rain, the gentle waves weren’t bashing Richard around too much, and again in the afternoon he managed a further 10 kilometres. Way to go Sñr Krugel!!

Puerto Soller is very pretty, full of beautiful yachts and some very nice

The team on Atlantis arriving back in Puerto Soller

people like Helen O’Pitt who contacted us through the page, as they were keen to support Richard as he passed by. Together with her friends on board Beaugeste they gave the team on Atlantis a raucous welcome (and a donation – thank you) as they returned home at close of play. It is moments like this that lift the spirits and make it all worthwhile.

Today Richard will be swimming down past Cala Deia and that very pretty part of Mallorca’s coast. They can almost smell Dragonara now at just over 35 kilometres away – so bring it on!

Mallorca 360 Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz

If you would like to donate and support Richard in this incredible endeavour, there are a number of ways you can do it. Have you seen the funky Mallorca 360 T shirts? – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account      Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

DAY 15 – STILL WATERS RUN DEEP AND DOLPHINS AT 4 0’CLOCK –

Well it only took two weeks, but on day 15 Richard finally got optimum conditions in which to swim. A spectacular sunrise and

Check out that flat sea – not the same place we swam in yesterday?!

despite a two and a half hour journey to the waypoint, the boys knew that this was going to be a good day!

Could that flat glassy sea be the same one that they have been battling for the previous 2 weeks? It certainly was, and at 10am Richard set off on the first 3 hour leg, whilst all Nic’s workload had significantly decreased, and all he had to worry about was sorting out those drinks and enjoying the scenery. After an 8.5K swim in the morning, Richard rested for two hours and dozed off as Atlantis breathed a sigh of relief.  Now that…. is more like it.

Richard Krugel cracking on

At 3 O clock, Richard set off on the second leg, in conditions that could only be described as perfect. Shoals of fish surrounded our swimmer as he covered another 5K.

A 15 minute breather and quite by surprise, some dolphins came by to say hello. It all happened so quickly, there wasn’t time to grab the camera, but it was a real highlight of the day.

Taking advantage of the wonderful conditions, Richard swam again, and in total yesterday managed 18K.

Leaving Torrent Pareis this morning, the boys are heading down towards Soller and then they are well on to the long stretch down to Dragonara which they estimate to be about a further 60 Kilometres away; with a bit of luck and a fair wind, this should take about 3.5 days. It will all be full steam ahead then for the last stretch from Andratx to Palma.

Have a great Sunday – and remember, Richard is swimming in aid of Allen Graham Charity 4

That is more like it

Kidz – a very worthwhile charity here in Mallorca. If you would like to donate and support Richard in this incredible feat of endurance, there are a number of ways you can do it.

The funky Mallorca 360 T Shirts are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account  Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

IF IT’S DAY 14 IT MUST BE THE NORTHERN COAST ….

So – Friday 3^rd October and Richard has now been swimming for two weeks.

To say that the weather hasn’t been kind to us is a slight understatement, but undeterred, Team Mallorca set out again, full of

Beautiful scenery going by

South African Vim and Vigour, in rough seas (rough seas again?) to continue this 360 kilometre circumnavigation of Mallorca. They are now heading west along the northern coast of the island towards Puerto Soller.

If you have never been to this part of beautiful Mallorca you are missing a treat; the scenery is nothing less than breathtaking. The wrangled old cliffs rise majestically from the brightest blue sea – which I have on good authority is giving them a really good hiding.

This looks like a good spot to shelter

September in Mallorca is renowned for its erratic weather conditions. One minute you can be bathed in beautiful tranquil sunshine and within ten minutes, the clouds gather and a month’s rain will fall in an hour.

First leg, Richard got into a very rough sea and battled the elements for 3 hours, covering 6.86 Kilometres. Nic then steered Atlantis to a sheltered cove where Richard rested for a while. Then, as if by magic, the weather improved and during the afternoon swim, Richard managed 9.41 kilometres finishing up in Punta Topina. Hurrah!

Feeling rather pleased with the day’s accomplishment, the boys returned to Pollenca for the

Heading for land

night. Because of the logistical arrangements, the trip back to Pollenca took 2.5 hours. That is one hell of a day’s work, so hats off to Richard and Nic of course for steering Atlantis so carefully in shocking conditions.

Another day and a beautiful sunrise saw Richard set off Saturday morning in what looks like could be a promising day. Watch this space ….

If you would like to donate and support Richard in this incredible endeavour, there are a number of ways you can do it. Have you seen the funky Mallorca 360 T shirts? – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account. Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117

DAYS 12 AND 13 …. GOING ROUND THE BEND

Day 12 (Wednesday) was another difficult day for Mallorca 360. Richard was aiming to swim directly across the bay heading

Storm clouds building

straight for Cap Formentor. Unfortunately the wind and the sea had other ideas and after two and a half hours, battling 25 knots of wind, the swim had to be abandoned for the day.

Day 13 however was a lot better. They left Alcudia at 6.30 in the morning and Richard got into the water at 8.40 for the first leg of the day. In two hours he managed 6.4 Kilometres before taking a rest.

Formentor – we’re coming for you

Unfortunately, they were far out to sea and there was nowhere to anchor up, so little Atlantis was bobbing around on the sea like a cork whilst Richard tried really hard to relax. It wasn’t relaxing….

Richard then considered it easier just to swim on and so he got back in the water and swam a further 6.68 Kilometres in two hours.

The third leg of the day kicked off, and with dogged ‘WE ARE GOING

Here comes the Balearia …. again!

TO DO THIS’ determination, and the lighthouse tormenting him – Richard swam on to the point of Formentor. The sea was still choppy and became particularly nasty as the Balearia went by!

All in all on day 13, Richard swam 18.42 Kilometres. Well done Richard.

Friday (Day 14) Richard begins swimming along the coast towards Puerto Soller. Fingers crossed that the currents and the wind remain in his favour.

Beautiful clear sea in Northern Mallorca

Remember, if you would like to donate to the Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz very worthy cause – this is how you do it.

Have you seen the funky Mallorca 360 T shirts? – these are available for €10 from Allen Graham 4 Kidz Charity shop and also from ETY – Office 8 Global RS Building STP in Palma –

Or, donations can be made through our Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz Webpage (Paypal) or directly into our bank account.

Banca March ES89 0061 0147 92 0073640117