Is there anything that speaks to the joy of “la bonne vie” as perfectly as enjoying a glass of champagne while onboard a yacht at sea? Luxury yacht charter Maven and President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Jana Sheeder, agrees.
Time aboard a luxury yacht charter vessel is the perfect platform to reconnect with friends and family – and champagne is often the tonic of this celebratory time together.
As crews begin to prepare their superyachts for the upcoming New Year’s eve yacht parties in St Barts, our charter advisers at 1-800 Yacht Charters take a look at the 3 trendiest premium champagne choices for Caribbean yacht charter clients this winter:
It’s hard to imagine a name a name more synonymous with premium champagne. Go to just about any nightclub, and you’ll find a millennial trying to impress by ordering a bottle of “Dom.”
It is a simple, balanced champagne with a pleasant aroma. Hints of a Cognac-like richness abound. A 2006 vintage 750ml bottle is approximately $150.
However, when it comes to luxury yacht charter guests, the most sought after Dom is the 1996 Rosé “P2.” The P2 moniker refers to the age of the vintage, which the wine makers at Dom refer to as “Plénitudes.” They describe the maturation process as, “…not in a simple linear trajectory, but in successive leaps into new expression, each of which are called Plénitudes. In the long journey of elaboration, the wine goes through this metamorphosis, a transformation. Each Plénitude contributes to Dom Pérignon’s singularity. In the darkness of the cellars, from one Plénitude to the next, Dom Pérignon will grow and blossom, transmuting time into energy.”
A 750ml bottle of the 1996 Rosé “P2” is approximately $795.
A BIT OF TRIVIA
A FUN SIDE NOTE: Why do we call it a “toast?” Thanks to Wikipedia, “According to other stories, the word toast became associated with the custom in the 17th century, based on a custom of flavoring drinks with spiced toast. The word originally referred to the lady in whose honor the drink was proposed, her name being seen as figuratively flavoring the drink.
On a nearly equal plane in terms of popularity with Dom Pérignon, Cristal (pronounced “chrisTALL”) has been a favorite among yachting enthusiasts for many years. American wine critic Robert M. Parker Jr’s website gives this vintage a score of 94-96 and describes it as one that, “…literally shimmers on the palate, showing great depth and purity in its sumptuous layers of fruit. It is a magnificent wine endowed with superb length and exceptional overall balance. The 2009 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The percentage of wine aged in oak is 15%, which is down slightly from previous vintages.”
A 750ml bottle of the 2009 Louis Roederer, Cristal is approximately $250.
It seems every food and beverage preference sheet submitted by clients prior to their winter St. Barts yacht charter vacation has listed Moët Ice as a “must-have” item.
Launched in early 2016 as a summer indulgence, the popularity has not waned. So what makes this champagne so unique? The answer is “ICE.” This champagne was designed to be served with ice, and that was a real innovation in the world of sommeliers. Ice has a rich fruity taste, perfect for warm weather winter charter destinations such as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Moet Ice Imperial champagne is a special blend consisting mainly of Pinot Noir (40-50%), Pinot Meunier (30-40%), and Chardonnay (10-20%). It is suggested to be served with three ice cubes in tall glasses of Cabernet, and can be mixed with other refreshing ingredients such as mint leaves, lemon peel, cucumber, or cardamom seeds – to enhance the intensity of flavor, and the icy freshness. A perfect tropical indulgence.
A 750ml bottle of Moët Ice Imperial is approximately $60
There IS no winner! If you feel tricked, we’re sorry. Before you throw your champagne flute in our direction, please let us explain:
One of the great benefits of The Superyacht Experience is the ability to customize every aspect of your luxury yacht charter vacation. For instance, where you go, to what you do for rest and recreation. Of course, this includes your preferences for foods and beverages as well.
So, while we are happy to share the popular brands and trends that we see selected by our clients, YOU have the ultimate say. The Superyacht Experience is a bespoke vacation like no other!
To plan your own custom-tailored yachting holiday, call us at 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS (1-800-922-4824) or fill out our convenient online contact form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/. HURRY – the best luxury yachts book quickly!
This entry was posted in Educational Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Moet Ice, luxury yacht charter, Pinot Noir, Dom, Best Champagne 2018, Dom Perignon, bubbly, Cognac, ratings, Rose, Moet Ice Imperial, P2, champagne on yacht, Plenitude, yacht charter reviews, 1-800 Yacht Charters, Cristal, yacht charter, Louis Roederer, Moet et Chandon
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The recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show arrives. FLIBS again delights.
We had the pleasure of taking a few of our best private luxury yacht charter clients (and dear friends) for a stroll along the docks. The couple had recently completed the construction of another home on a lot overlooking the water. They wanted to purchase a boat for weekend family outings.
We looked at the latest offerings from a few companies, for instance, Germany’s Fjord Yachts, the innovative expandable-deck boats by Italy’s Evo Yachts, and the trendy Holland-designed boats of VanDutch.
The model that really caught the attention of our friends was a sleek, aluminum-hull day cruiser. This yacht is built by Vanquish Yachts. It is the Vanquish VQ54. The boat is simply stunning. There is no other way to describe it.
We stood on the dock discussing the boat and the available color options. A passerby stopped and gazed at the boat. “Beautiful,” he exclaimed. “Too bad it’s made out of aluminum – electrolysis is bad for boats.”
As the man walked away, our friends seemed a bit confused. “What’s wrong with electrolysis?” asked the wife. “It’s a great way to remove unwanted hair!”
“It’s a little different with boats,” we said. We then explained marine electrolysis, and the possible damage it can cause to a boat or yacht.
For humans, Medical Electrolysis is a clinical method of removing individual hairs from a person’s face or body. A device is used to destroy the growth center of hair with chemical or heat energy.
For boats, Marine Electrolysis is the result of potential current existing between two different objects. It is often caused by stray electrical current, and can be extremely destructive (causes corrosion) on boats made out of aluminum.
The results generated by medical electrolysis are all positive – people can remove unwanted hair, and it is a permanent fix. With marine electrolysis, the results are not so good – and if not caught quickly, the corrosive effects to an aluminum boat can cause great damage (holes, water leaking into the boat, etc.), and require expensive repairs.
Aluminum boats are also susceptible to another related culprit. This culprit is Galvanic Corrosion. This can occur when two dissimilar metals come into contact with an electrolyte and create a natural electrical current. Salt water can work as the perfect catalyst for galvanic corrosion.
Examples of galvanic corrosion include:
Our experienced clients and friends then asked,
“If aluminum has so many problems, why are expensive private luxury yacht charter vessels like Feadship and Heesen yachts built out of aluminum?”
The answer is simple. Aluminum is light, but strong (think of airplanes). Aluminum yachts can be built to any size versus yachts made from molds. This allows great flexibility and customization that can’t be as easily achieve with fiberglass and other composites. As to the corrosion issues, manufacturers can take preventative steps to reduce and even eliminate the threats of marine electrolysis. Yachts are fitted with monitoring systems which constantly check for stray electrical current, as well as anti-corrosion anodes to negate electrical issues below the waterline.
So, while someday you may want medical electrolysis to look and feel your best, you most definitely do not want marine electrolysis – ever…
Thinking about buying a yacht? Take advantage of our “Try Before You Buy” program and rent the yacht for an extended “test drive.” Do this during your own private luxury yacht charter vacation. Up to 50% of the charter fee can be applied toward the purchase of the same yacht model.
In conclusion, give charter a try before planning a yacht purchase. For more information about private luxury yacht charters or purchasing a yacht through the 1-800 Yacht Charters’ Try Before You Buy Program, email 1-800 Yacht Charters at info@1800yachtcharters.com or call us at 305-720-7245. #yachtforsale #buyaboat #yachtcharter
This entry was posted in News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged aluminum hull, yacht sales, fiberglass hull, luxury yacht charter, buy a boat, Try Before You Buy Program, fiberglass vs aluminum, Electrolysis, medical electrolysis, yacht sales broker, Vanquish, hair removal, VQ54, galvanic corrosion, Vanquish Yachts, yacht test drive, private luxury yacht charter, Fjord Yachts, Evo Yachts, VanDutch, Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show
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Recently, fitness expert Jillian Michaels took to social media. This to recount what she described as a disastrous Italy private luxury yacht charter vacation. (No, it was not our charter.) She detailed arriving to find the yacht, “…not only filthy, but it had no hot water, no air con when not docked, no wifi, partial electricity, it was clearly in total disrepair.” Via Facebook, the fitness guru warned her social media followers to beware of online scams. “These scams are becoming extremely prevalent…so be careful when you are dealing with rentals of any kind,” she wrote.
Michaels’ online posts were picked up by mainstream media. Television’s syndicated newsmagazine, “Inside Edition” even cover it.
Michaels’ comments lead us to two points:
*Was this a scam? In our opinion – NO.
*Could more have been done to avoid what the press has coined as a “Vacation from Hell?” ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!
“I’m confident this is not scam,” states yacht charter maven Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Hers is a company that specializes in discreet private luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and UHNW.
“While we were not involved in Ms. Michael’s charter, the client did use a professional charter broker from a well-known company – a competitor of ours with lots of experience and a solid standing in our industry.”
In fact, that charter broker’s actions were scrutinized by the Ethics Committee of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association. The Committee unanimously found the broker acted in good faith and did not commit any ethics violations.
Clearly, however, something went awry for the charter to end after just 4 days of an expected 12 day trip. Exactly what happened is still not clear. Both sides are pointing the finger at each other. Michaels feels she was duped. The charter brokerage asserts Michaels was in violation of her charter agreement.
If the yacht was, as Michaels asserts, “…in disrepair,” it needs addressing. The question that must be asked is, what more can a prospective yacht charter customer do to ensure the yacht is fully operational and what we refer to in the industry as, “charter ready?”
Sheeder suggests two easy steps.
First, ASK FOR A CHECKLIST. This list attests all electrical and mechanical components required for a successful charter are fully-operational. “We have a simple checklist similar to a pre-flight checklist used by a pilot to make sure a plane is safe and ready for takeoff,” says Sheeder. “In essence, we are directly asking the Captain of the yacht prior to the execution of the charter agreement to confirm the yacht is in Bristol (clean) condition, that the watertoys (waverunners, tender, etc.) are fully-operational, the yacht’s generators and central air conditioning system are working correctly, etc. We even directly ask if there are any foul odors emanating from the toilets and bilges, or fumes from the engine room.”
Sheeder reviews the checklist results. She informs the client of any issues. She confirms the timeframe required to make any necessary repairs.
“If we, together with the client, are not completely comfortable with the situation or the crew’s ability to guarantee an exceptional private yacht charter experience, we move on and look for another yacht.”
Sheeder revisits the checklist with the captain three or four days prior to the charter to see if any last minute problems have occurred. “Yachts are complex, mechanical vessels with many moving parts that can develop problems – just like an automobile. Many problems are eliminated or minimized by ongoing maintenance, but sometimes, things break unexpectedly. By checking prior to the charter, we can inform the client of the situation as well as estimate the time it will take to make the needed repairs. Most situations are minor and the charter can proceed with no unexpected ‘surprises’ for the client and their guests.”
Second, REQUEST REALTIME VIDEO/CURRENT PHOTOS.
Many charter brochures feature beautiful photos or videos of the charter yacht. But do the photos contain dates? Is the video current? How do you know?
Sheeder suggests using current technology apps to make certain what you see is what you get. “We try to personally inspect the yachts we recommend to our clients, but a lot can change from the time we saw the yacht at a boat show or a private viewing, and the time the client charters the vessel,” says Sheeder. “We have our online charter brochures date coded in our computer. If the images are old, we reach out to the yacht owner and his management team and request current photos. Even casual videos shot on cellphones can capture the overall condition of the boat, and most crews are eager to show their vessel in the best possible light.” Ask questions. We are at your service.
Sheeder also recommends apps like Apple’s FaceTime for iPhones, and Facebook Messenger and Google Duo for Android phones.
“Short of the client’s inspecting the yacht themselves, there’s nothing better than a live video feed, with a real-time conversation with the crew, as they walk through and film the yacht and the client watches live.”
So you are considering a private luxury yacht charter for your next vacation. First, probe beyond the tantalizing online yacht brochure. Second, ask your broker if they use a pre-charter checklist. Third, ask them to provide current photos or real-time streaming video of the yacht in its current condition. If they do not or cannot, beware. Consider hiring a broker who can go the extra step to protect your vacation investment. Take these simple steps prior to arriving for your charter. You greatly minimize the chances of anything less than a memorable holiday at sea.
Winter is just around the corner. In addition to getting away, take advantage of pre-season specials on yachts. Those based in the sunny Bahamas, South Florida, and the Caribbean are ideal for your tropical sojourn. Your private yacht charter holiday is only a phone call away.
In conclusion, call 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS [toll-free north America +1.800.922.4824 or international +1.305.253.7245] for more information, or email info@1800yachtcharters.com We are eager to plan The Superyacht Experience for you.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged yacht charter specials, android, celebrity, live video streaming, Facebook, scam or not, iPhone, Questions to ask, Jillian Michaels, Does your charter broker, scam, Real-time conversation about charteryacht, yacht charter scams, condition of yacht, vacation from hell, yacht holiday, yacht charter ethics, Jana Sheeder, facetime, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, google duo
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We’ve all seen the images. For instance, a silhouette of a sailing yacht, lying at anchor near a secluded beach, the sun setting in the background, or the massive superyachts docked side-by-side in a marina along the Côte d’Azur. It’s not hard to imagine you and your family inserted in those yachting images, enjoying la belle vie.
Think you can afford a holiday at sea on a private yacht?
Let’s start with understanding exactly what a yacht charter is all about…
If you’ve ever stayed at a resort, you’ve already experienced the premise of a yachting vacation on a crewed yacht. From accommodations, to meals, activities and amenities.. Everything you and your family need are available in one location. The biggest difference is that your location “moves” when you charter a yacht!
For example, a Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel. Other travelers stay ashore and see the same view from their hotel window. For you, on the other hand, each day you can wake up and experience a new location. Your yacht cruises from island to island. Forget a virtual online slideshow. This is the real deal!
While onboard, you’ll be pampered by a crew of trained professionals. From a captain to navigate, to a host/hostess to serve you, and a chef to prepare your meals. The actual number of crew depends on the size of yacht you charter. It also depends on the level of service you request. There are often be more crew members than charter guests!
Just like the resort, the yacht offers accommodations, areas to relax and socialize, and a wide variety of recreational toys to enjoy. For example, snorkel gear and sandup paddleboards. The larger yachts offer a wider variety of toys and amenities. For instance, waverunners, cinema rooms, exercise equipment, and even ondeck Jacuzzi wellness spas.
There is one more distinguishing difference when compared to a resort – it’s completely private – only you and your family and friends and your crew are onboard – no one else! Your confidentiality is assured with 1-800 Yacht Charters.
Again, the comparison to seaside resorts best illustrates the locations available for enjoying a yachting holiday – if it’s on the ocean, chances are there are yachts in the area available for hire!
Here’s a partial list of the most popular destinations for chartering a crewed yacht:
If you guessed that we would once again go back and look at a resort for the answer – you’re right!
The price options for enjoying a crewed yacht directly compare to the prices of staying at a resort. Basic resorts in popular destinations can be very affordable for a family vacation, and so too can be the cost of a private yacht charter. Conversely, ultra exclusive resorts in posh settings charge premium rates – as do the most luxurious private yachts.
To put this into realistic perspective, here’s a sample of yachts and their prices:
The owners of charter yachts rely on a network of professional yacht charter brokers to serve as the go-between for owners and anyone interested in securing a yacht for hire. 1-800 Yacht Charters has been delivering The Superyacht Experience to their clients for over 30 years, and maintains a database of more than 500 crewed charter yachts around the world.
Only 1-800 Yacht Charters offers a Best Price Guarantee and makes a donation to a recognized charity in your name when you make your reservation.
Jana Sheeder and her company stand ready to book your private luxury yacht charter vacation for you right now. Please call us toll-free in North America (at +1.800.922.4824) or locally and internationally (at +1.305.253.7245) or fill out our online booking form at email us at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter News and tagged Best Price Guarantee, French Riviera, donation made to charity in your name, the superyacht experience, Spanish Balearic Islands, Amels, why to book a yacht charter, Italian Riviera, Mediterranean yacht charter, how to book a yacht charter], St. Barts, where to go on a yacht charter, More Magic, Bahamas yacht charter, what is a yacht charter, Jodi Lee, Croatia, professional crew, Here Comes the Sun, virgin islands yacht charter, resort versus yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, slideshow, florida yacht charter, can I afford a yacht charter, cote d'azur, what does a yacht charter cost
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Kevin Lawrie calls himself a “Facilitator.” Some superyacht captains have a more fitting moniker for him: “Miracle Man.”
Since 2015, Lawrie has operated Mango Mango Yacht and Villas Services, on the island of St Barts in the Caribbean.
Lawrie is a yacht agent, a rather non-descriptive title. He is an integral participant in most private luxury yacht charter trips passing through the Caribbean. For example, St Barts and other nearby ports of call (e.g. Nevis, St Kitts, Anguilla, etc.) need him. A yacht agent’s services include assistance with immigration and port services. They also include banking, provisioning, and charter guest and yacht crew concierge services. Lastly, they make medical arrangements and purchase yacht parts.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains the vital role yacht agencies like Mango Mango play in the yacht charter industry.
“Our responsibility is to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The hiring of the yacht is just one component of a successful charter. Our goal is to use the yacht as the platform to deliver an unequalled and flawless vacation for our clients. While the captains of the yachts are responsible to create an itinerary for the clients, it is often the yacht agent who coordinates the logistics for the yacht before it arrives at a particular destination.”
They can
“A captain and his crew need to focus on the safe operation of the yacht while the charter guests are onboard,” explains Sheeder. “You don’t want a captain or the crew spending time on the phone or Internet trying to organize sighstseeing tours, arranging dockage, or making restaurant reservations.”
This is where Lawrie and Mango Mango excel. Many important details are handled by yacht agents. When performed well, it’s a seamless, professional process – invisible to the charter guests. All the charter guests see is an empty slip in a marina, ready for their arrival. As they disembark, a driver is standing by, with a car or limousine – ready to take them where they want to go. There’s no need for charter guests to stand in line at the local customs office, because Lawrie has already cleared the passengers, using passport details forwarded to him via email by the yacht’s captain. Fuel and fresh provisions will be delivered to the yacht, so when the charter guests are ready to depart for the next port of call, the yacht and crew are ready to go.
Many times, a yacht owner who normally keeps his/her yacht in the Mediterranean will decide to re-position to the Caribbean for the winter season. Often, the crews of these yachts are not familiar with the islands of the Caribbean, and are at a loss when it comes to necessary yacht services – fuel bunkering, entry requirements, foreign currency exchanges, etc. For these yachts and crew, Lawrie is truly a miracle worker. Sheeder points out, “Not only does Kevin handle the typical yacht services, he’s available 24/7 for the little things that seem to pop up out of nowhere. If a crewmember suddenly breaks a tooth, Kevin will jump right in and secure an emergency appointment with a local dentist.”
Scott Macahonic, Chief Officer of M/Y Spirit understands the value of a local yacht agency like Mango Mango:
“We have used Kevin numerous times over the last two seasons in St.Barths, and I can’t even tell you the number of ‘potential guest situations’ he has gotten us out of! New Year’s eve table reservations, 20 person taxi with no warning, coconuts immediately, fresh fish when needed. You name it…he’s helped us always in a professional, quick and friendly manner. We will definitely be using him the next time we can get back to the beautiful island of St.Barths.”
Mango Mango has expanded their services to also include villas. They provide:
While recent hurricanes Irma and Maria brought much destruction to the Caribbean including St Barts, Lawrie states the island is up and running and ready for visitors.
“St Barts is effectively open for business this winter season,” says Lawrie, “and we would love to see you down here and we can promise that it will be a memorable season offering you the same level of professionalism as usual and you will be welcomed with open arms and a warm smile wherever you go ashore.”
Well said, Miracle Man!
For up-to-date information about scheduled post-hurricane restaurant and hotel openings in St Barts, or to rent a luxury villa, contact Mango Mango Yacht and Villa Services at + 590 690 77 81 13 or email: hello@mangomangosbh.com
Hurry. Yachts for your Caribbean Yacht Charter holidays are booking quickly!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Caribbean Educational and tagged villa services, villa management, Hurricane Irma, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Hurricane Maria, St. Barts yacht charter, Mango Mango Yacht and Villa Services, St. Barths, rent a yacht, Spirit, rent a villa, Jana L. Sheeder, charter a yacht, Kevin Lawrie, superyacht assistance, Facilitator, logistics planning in Caribbean, how do yachts provision in the caribbean, behind-the-scenes
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Sail yacht ALLURES
30 meter catamaran
One of the largest and fastest, all-carbon cats in the world
Eco-friendly
Accommodates 8 guests in 4 cabins
Available for South of France or Monaco yacht charter
€50,000/wk (June/Sept) and €60,000/wk (July/Aug)
We secure a private luxury yacht charter reservation on the 37m motor yacht ELENA NUEVE this week. We receive the charter contract, and management sends us an email touting a big, beautiful new catamaran in his fleet . She is sailing yacht ALLURES.
Management writes:
“Dear Jana, Jim, and Team 1-800 Yacht Charters,
ALLURES is getting ready for a successful charter season in the West Med. Based in the South of France, she is still available in April, May, June and September 2017.
Luxurious charter yacht with impressive deck space and comfort, ALLURES is one of the largest and fastest, all carbon-sail catamaran in the world. She provides a high level of comfort and safety with access to shallow waters.
Bookings 2017:
-24 June to 1 July, Naples/Catania,
-9 to 16 July, Naples/Palermo,
-20 July to 14 August, Bonifacio/Bonifacio,
-16 to 30 August, Bonifacio/Saint-Tropez.
I look forward to receiving your enquiries.
Nicolas”
Nicolas knows many of our clients prefer motoryachts for the luxury yacht charter vacations. We are excited to promote high-quality sailing yachts whenever the chance arises. Sail yacht ALLURES is at the top end of sailing yachts in the charter market. Built by Composite Works in France, this is a performance yacht that really, “gets up and goes” when the wind is blowing. If you’re wondering if that means a bumpy ride – put your worries to bed. Catamarans have two hulls which gives them an enormous beam (width). The wider the yacht the more stable the vessel, especially when at anchor.
Of course, at 100 feet, she is a superyacht. Her overall design reflects this pedigree. Allures’ chic Italian interior is brimming with beautiful wood and leather furnishings. She accommodates eight guests in four impressive staterooms. Furthermore, every stateroom has a direct view to the sea.
Our favorite onboard features are the two convertible staterooms. These double cabins can easily become twins (each with single berths). In addition, this unique flexible layout comfortably accommodate charter parties of families, friends and/or couples.
First, she is a performance sailing catamaran with an experienced and friendly crew. Second, Allures has sleek lines, the latest sailing equipment, and Italian interiors with wood and leather. Third, as a catamaran, she has access to very shallow anchorages. Fourth, she is the ultimate in safety and performance. In addition, she features 2 convertible staterooms. Lastly, multiple water toys keep it fun!
For the summer 2017 cruising season, the yacht is offered at different rates. For instance, €60,000 per week plus running expenses for high (July/August), and €50,000 per week for low (June/September) season
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News and tagged fast catamaran, Elena Nueve, Monaco yacht charter, sailboat, catamaran yacht charter, yacht charter Mediterranean, South of France, catamaran, ALLURES, Composite Works
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