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Tag Archives: eco-hero

DISH SOAP BOTTLE — MADE OF WHAT????

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grey biodegradable dish and hand soap squirt bottle made from ocean plastic

BIODEGRADABILITY

Leave it to the folks at method®.  They make biodegradable cleaning products.  The company uses the power of  business to create positive social and environmental change.

The next item in their arsenal is unique.  method® packages their 2-in-1 dish + hand soap in bottles.  The bottles are made with recovered ocean plastic.

 

RECALL THE SEABIRDS

Readers of our blog might recall our September 15, 2015 post detailing the alarming rate at which seabirds are eating plastic.  Studies indicate 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped into our oceans each year. This plastic pollutes our environment. Additionally, it hurts our marine life populations.

 

 

HOW DOES METHOD® FUNCTION IN THIS?

method® hopes to raise awareness of the importance of reusing plastic.  The packaging is a blend of recovered ocean plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic.  Importantly, all plastic used to make the bottles was collected by method® employees!

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

We provide private luxury yacht charter vacations.  Therefore, we know the importance of everyone doing their part – no matter how small that role might be.  In addition, our company President, Jana Sheeder, often reminds the 1-800 Yacht Charters team of the Starfish parable.  In her volunteer work, she often gives copies of the gratitudinous parable to her team.

 

– The Boy and the Starfish –

A man was walking along a deserted beach at sunset. As he walked he could see a young boy in the distance, as he drew nearer he noticed that the boy kept bending down, picking something up and throwing it into the water.

Time and again he kept hurling things into the ocean.

As the man approached even closer, he was able to see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time he was throwing them back into the water.

The man asked the boy what he was doing, the boy replied, “I am throwing these washed up starfish back into the ocean, or else they will die through lack of oxygen. “But,” said the man, “You can’t possibly save them all, there are thousands on this beach, and this must be happening on hundreds of beaches along the coast. You can’t possibly make a difference.”

The boy looked down, frowning for a moment; then bent down to pick up another starfish, smiling as he threw it back into the sea. He replied, “I made a huge difference to that one!” 

~Author Unknown~

starfish in the sand with sailboat anchored in the sea in the background

 

BOOK A YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, book your luxury yacht charter vacation through 1-800 Yacht Charters and receive a gift.  Specifically, a complimentary Eco-tote handbag for each member of your yacht charter party!  For more information, contact 1-800-922-4824 or fill in our convenient online inquiry form at https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/

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Jana Sheeder, CEO of 1-800-YACHTCHARTERS Balances Work with Animal Rights

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ABOUT JANA SHEEDER

Arranging luxury yacht charter vacations for celebrities and corporate titans requires Jana Sheeder to mix and mingle with the rich and famous. She frequently attends exclusive cocktail parties and special events. She can be seen, for example, at the Super Bowl and the Sony Ericsson Miami Open tennis tournament. While it sounds glamorous, Sheeder is quick to tell you she is happiest in work boots and gloves, cleaning a horse stable at an animal sanctuary.

Arranging  a Caribbean or Mediterranean yacht charter vacation on a superyacht is my vocation, but my passion is animal welfare,” says Sheeder, President and CEO of 1-800-YACHT CHARTERS.

Photograph of Jana Sheeder behind the steering wheel of a motoryacht at anchor. She is wearing black pants and red shirt.

 

PRESIDENT SCHEDULE

Hers is a balancing act that requires tight scheduling and unwavering commitment to protecting abused and homeless animals. A typical day begins with releasing butterflies that Jana has raised to help pollinate the environment.  A bit later, business meetings and emails to prospective megayacht charter customers are underway.  Throw in the occasional personal inspection of a newly built superyacht.  Later in the day, Sheeder exchanges her business suit for denim, as she heads to the local animal shelter to assist in a pet adoption event.

 

WEEKENDS FOR JANA

Weekends are a blur, as Sheeder often volunteers to help transport 5 to 25 rescued dogs and cats to a sanctuary 100 miles away. When not transporting animals, Sheeder spends time at a horse sanctuary, feeding and caring for abused and abandoned horses.  Sanctuaries also have other livestock, for instance, goats, chickens, cows, and pigs, all of which add to the work life balance for Jana.

Photograph of Jana Sheeder kissing the nose of a white horse. Jana is sitting in front of the horse photo backdrop and is facing the horse

 

JANA IN THE NEWS

Recently, Sheeder drew the attention of TV’s Animal Planet as well as radio, news media, and newspapers.  A serial cat killing spree left over two dozen dead and mutilated cats in South Florida.  Sheeder worked with local animal rights advocates to arrange a safety seminar for hundreds of residents. A suspect was arrested just three days before the seminar. Sheeder cancelled the seminar and used the allocated time to spend the day volunteering at the county animal shelter!

It’s all about making a difference in others’ lives – human AND animal.

Photograph of Jana Sheeder standing next to the ocean during a beach cleanup. She is holding a grabber in one hand and a trash bag in the other. She is wearing a visor, gloves, and high boots.

Book your private luxury yacht charter through 1-800 Yacht Charters to make a difference together.

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Making A Difference – 6 Simple Tips To Reduce Plastic Onboard Private Yacht Charter Vessels

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Drawing of red earth on white background with the saying plastic constitutes 90 per cent of all trash floating in the ocean

 

 

Back in April , we took a look at the problem of trash in luxury yacht charter marinas., We offered suggestions of things we can all do to make a difference in the fight to protect our natural resources and ultimate planetary health.  It’s always reassuring to know that our voice is just one of many.  This is evidenced by a wonderful article written by Angela Orecchio. Angela is a yacht stewardess, and she is also the author of the blog Savvy Stewardess.   Angela outlines six ideas that can help reduce plastic onboard yachts.

 

THE STEW SUGGESTS

Much of what Angela suggests is particularly useful for people who own their own boats, and for bareboat yacht charter customers.  Perhaps you’re not a boat owner.  That’s ok – even guests onboard a fully-crewed private luxury yacht charter vessel will find some helpful ideas in Angela’s message.

Here’s a reprint of Angela’s story (with a few comments of our own):

6 SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE PLASTIC ONBOARD

“While I care a great deal about the environment, I’m just as guilty as anyone when it comes to buying plastic items for convenience.

Plastic is a major issue for the environment. Ocean Crusaders says there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in our ocean. It also has this startling fact: 1 million seabirds die from plastic. I also read that we have no idea how long it takes for all of the plastic we consume to fully break down.

GREAT GARBAGE PATCH

Have you heard of the Great Garbage Patch floating in our ocean? It’s heartbreaking, yet there are things each of us can do daily to take care of the health of the planet.

  • RECYCLE

This is the last resort of reducing plastic. But it’s important. Start by talking to the captain about setting up a recycling program that works onboard. Create the specifics of the program and hold a meeting/training about it. Ensure that everyone knows what to do and how important recycling is. Designate one crew member to be in charge of making sure the program is successful.

One way to start recycling is to have a “non-recycle” bin for usual trash, and then one set up for plastic, paper and other recyclables. Designate the removal and proper distribution of the recycling to the watch keeper as part of his/her end-of-night duties.

WHAT TO RECYCLE

Double check on how and what to recycle as the yacht travels; it changes from place to place.  If the port or marina where the yacht is docked does not have a recycling bin, first talk to the captain to get permission to meet with the yacht’s agent, DPA or dockmaster. Work with them to help set up a recycling program.

If they cannot help, reach out to the nearest recycling center. Either it can provide a recycling bin or someone there can identify where the nearest one is. If it’s a trip away, then potentially, this can be a bulk run done by one of the crew members when they go out every few days.

  • WATER BOTTLES

A lot of boats still buy cases of bottled water. Ask the engineer how water is filtered on board. If no one is sure if it’s potable, buy a water test kit and check it.  If it’s not drinkable, get an external filter that sits under the sink in the crew mess and/or galley. Work with the engineer on what will work best for the boat.  Reusable plastic water bottles are a better option than one-time-use plastic. Still, they become worn after a short time. I prefer a glass bottle with a rubber sleeve, which prevents the bottle from breaking.

 

1-800 YACHT CHARTERS OFFER

[1-800 Yacht Charters Comment: some bareboats, and almost all luxury yacht charter vessels, have state-of-the-art watermakers onboard, capable of generating hundreds of gallons of clean, fresh water during a charter vacation.  1-800 Yacht Charters offers reusable glass bottles in rubber sleeves to our charter clients, as a way to encourage them to forgo disposable plastic bottles during their vacation.]

Jana Sheeder sitting on the aft couch of a yacht in a marina

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT with Eco-Hero Reusable Tote Bag

 

 

 

  • SHOPPING BAGS

Many countries no longer give out shopping bags at checkout for free. It is easy to build up a collection of long-lasting shopping bags. Just remember to put them back in the crew car or somewhere they won’t be forgotten. Reusable produce bags are great alternatives to the plastic ones found on the roll in the produce sections.

[1-800 Yacht Charters Comment: at the end of this blog we tell you how you can get a complimentary Eco-Hero tote bag. Read on!]

 

  • FOOD CONTAINERS

Most boats use Tupperware of some kind. This is a fantastic alternative to zip-top bags. Still, Tupperware tends to wear eventually, especially after being stained by food and multiple dishwasher runs. A great alternative to plastic Tupperware is glass or stainless steel. Many companies make durable glass Tupperware with lids that can go in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. While the lids are plastic, the base will last for many years.

  • RESEALABLE BAGS

Avoiding zip-top bags on a yacht can be quite tricky. They are so convenient and they don’t take up much room like rigid food containers. Still, they are plastic. Some alternatives are re-usable sandwich bags, stainless steel or glass containers, and muslin wrap.  If zip-top bags are a must, wash them out and reuse them. Get organized and designate one location for clean-but-used bags for less than sterile needs.

Logo for Skip the Straw and Save a Sea Turtle Project

  • STRAWS

Plastic one-use straws are easy to replace. There are so many alternatives out there, including metal, glass and multi-use plastic or silicone straws.”

 

 

Our thanks to Angela for doing her part to protect our oceans, and for spreading the word.  We can all make a difference!

 

 

 

 

HOW TO BOOK AN ECO-FRIENDLY YACHT CHARTER

In conclusion, are you an Eco-Hero?  Have you got any tips of your own on how you help protect our environment?  Share them with us, and we’ll send you a complimentary “Eco-Hero” reusable tote bag.  Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com

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Superyacht LADY KATHRYN V Deploys Ocean Data-Gathering Buoy In Azores

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PROTECTING OUR OCEANS

Add another name to the growing list of private yacht charter vessels and their owners and crews helping out.  Specifically, stepping up to the plate to further the cause of protecting our oceans.

 

LADY KATHRYN V

Earlier this summer, Lurssen yacht LADY KATHRYN V deployed an oceanographic instrument drifter in the Azores on behalf of The International SeaKeepers Society. The data collected by the drifter will be used for various marine preservation studies.

Motoryacht Lady Kathryn profile

The 61 meter superyacht was in between summer charters and the crew took the opportunity to assist to place the very first Seakeepers data-gathering floater in the Azores.

SeaKeepers works with institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), to take and record ongoing oceanographic measurements. The collection of this data is used to analyze and study oil spills, marine debris accumulation, and hurricane prediction models.  The cumulative effect of this data leads to a better understanding of the marine environment.

Superyacht Big Fish aerial

Other charter vessels that are participating in the program include the 45 meter McMullen & Wing yacht BIG FISH, currently in the South Pacific, and the 54 meter Sensation Yachts yacht NOBEL HOUSE, based this summer in Cabo, Mexico.

 

 

 

Stern of motoryacht Noble House with smiling crewmembers standing there

Built in 2011, the 200 ft Lurssen LADY KATHRYN V yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms.  She is available this winter in the Bahamas and the Caribbean at a weekly rate of $450,000.  For further information, call 305-720-7245

JUST SAY NO

Say NO to disposable plastic, and we’ll send you a gift!  Plastic represents one of the greatest threats to the health of our oceans.

 

COMMENT AND GIFT

Leave us a comment below saying that you agree not to use disposable plastic shopping bags, and we’ll send you a large “Eco-Hero” tote bag to carry with you!  Every little bit helps – thank you for doing your part to protect our oceans!

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Top 100 World’s Largest Yachts, 2015

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UPDATE.   32 people responded, and 28 had the right answer!  So, how did we react?  We sent out eco-totebags to ALL of them.  That was FUN!  Thank you for playing, everybody!  The question? Who built motoryacht AZZAM?   The answer?  Lurssen Yachts built the yacht in 2013.

 

The year 2015 started out with a forecast of ten brand new superyachts scheduled for completion this year, all of which when launched would be ranked in the, “Top 100 of the World’s Largest Yachts.”

With the year quickly drawing to a close, it turns out 8 of the 10 were completed and launched on schedule – a testament to their builder’s ability to deliver a yacht on schedule (although only the builder and owner know for sure if the yacht was also delivered, “on budget”).

Here are the 8 newest entries to the list of the 2015 world’s largest yachts, along with their position in the top 100:

Rank in

Top 100               Name                                  Length                                 Builder

19                          GOLDEN ODYSSEY            123.20m (404’2”)           Lurssen

33                          ULYSSES                              107m (351’)                       Klevin

37                          SYMPHONY                        101.50m (333’)                 Feadship

49                          ROYAL ROMANCE            92.50m (303’5”)             Feadship

54                          ORCHID                              91m (298’6”)                     Lurssen

74                          AQUIJO                               85.90m (281’9”)               Oceanco

85                          SAVANNAH                        83.50m (273’11”)             Feadship

93                          ROMEA                               81.80m (268’4”)               Abeking & Rasmussen

 

Dutch über-builder Feadship leads the way with three top 100 megayachts, with Germany’s Lurssen Yachts delivering two, including the largest newest yacht launched in 2015 – the 123 meter motor yacht GOLDEN ODYSSEY.

yacht profile

Private yacht charter clients might be disappointed that only one of these new yachts is immediately slated to enter the yacht rental market – the Abeking & Rasmussen yacht ROMEA.  Based in the Med, The Monaco yacht charter vessel has set her 2015 inaugural season rental rate at Euro 875,000 per week [plus running expenses, of course!].

Yacht profile

Feadship and Lurssen enthusiasts don’t despair – these builders have plenty of behemoth yachts available for hire, including the 85.10 meter Lurssen yacht SOLANDGE, and the 81 meter Feadship yacht AIR.

Check back with us in late January, as we plan to release the list of the 2016 forecast of the newest yachts scheduled to join the top 100 world’s largest yachts!

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Currently, motor yacht AZZAM is the largest yacht in the world at 180 meters.  Can you tell us which fabled shipyard built superyacht AZZAM?

Send us an email with the correct answer.  We will send you a complimentary eco-tote bag from 1-800 Yacht Charters.  Limited to the first 25 readers who respond correctly.  Email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com.  Good luck!

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Trash in Luxury Yacht Charter Marinas. It’s Simple to Make a Difference.

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Photograph of various pieces of debris picked up on dock in a marina. Items include a metal washer, piece of rope, a silver bolt, a length of fishing line, and a piece of plastic. The background of the photo shows multiple superyachts docked, with palm trees in the background.

Please be an eco-hero and remove trash from our waterways

SICKENING PHOTO

This is a photo from the beautiful Yachts Miami Beach Boat Show.  Our inspections included several private luxury yacht charter vessels docked at the Deep Harbour Island Gardens marina, near downtown Miami, Florida.  As we walked along the docks, I noticed our company President, Jana Sheeder, often pausing, bending down, picking up something, and putting it in her “Eco-Hero” tote bag.  I asked Jana what she was picking up, and she paused and poured a few of the contents of her bag onto a locker box on the dock.

“Take a look,” she sighed. “This debris can easily end up in the water where it becomes part of the ocean pollution problem, as well as a threat to birds and marine life.”

 So, I snapped the photo you see here.

THE IMAGE

When I look at this photo, I see beautiful superyachts that serve as a gateway to experience the wonders of our oceans.  I see a segment of the tourism industry – private luxury yacht charter – that generates millions of dollars of revenue annually.  I see a support network of thousands of crewmembers, dockhands, marina workers, and maintenance and repair staff.  They all support their families from a livelihood that is inextricably dependent upon healthy oceans.

For me, the trash in the photo is a harsh reminder that the refuse we see floating in marinas and along the seawalls and walkways is a direct threat to the health of our waterways. It is also, therefore, a threat to our own livelihood.

As you read this blog, I can guess what some of you are thinking.  “I’m not part of the problem – I would never throw trash in the water.”  Good intention, but you or someone you know might still be directly responsible for pollution in our waterways.

 

MYTH BUSTING 

It’s a common misconception that most trash comes from people throwing things directly into the water.  

“Believe it or not,  much to the trash in our waterways comes from litter thrown out of cars, litter that blows from surrounding areas into the waterways, illegal dumping, and this item really irks me – cigarettes left on the ground,” says Jana.  “During a big rainstorm, all that junk ends up in the watershed, and some of it eventually makes its way down to the bays, harbors, marinas, beaches, and worse – onto our fragile coral reefs and into the stomachs of marine life (like fish and turtles) and shorebirds.”

 

CLEANUP  EFFORTS

Efforts are underway to rid our waterways of trash.  In Baltimore, Maryland, two (rather cute) trash wheels are pulling debris from the harbor before it flows into Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Trash Wheel (male) and Professor Trash Wheel (female with eyelashes) are solar and hydro-powered trash interceptors in place in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Over a million pounds of trash has been pulled out of the water by Mr. Trash Wheel since it was installed in May 2014 (Professor Trash Wheel was installed in December 2016).

Mr. Trash Wheel in a marina

 

Professor Trash Wheel - with eyelashes

John Kellett (a true ECO-HERO!) invented the trash wheels and tracks the debris collected.  Since May 2014, when Mr Trash Wheel went operational, almost nine million cigarette butts and over 300,000 plastic bags have been collected.   Additionally, Mr. Trash Wheel picks up an average of 14,000 Styrofoam containers a month – second only to cigarettes.

Kellett echoes Jana’s thoughts that the problem starts on shore.  “I thought we were being ambitious with the harbor, but now people are talking about cleaning up the ocean,” Kellett said. “But I think the most effective solution is to get the trash before it gets there.” 


WHAT YOU CAN DO

No matter where you live, you CAN make a difference and help protect our natural resources.  Let’s review some simple steps we can all take:

  • No butts about it!  Are you a smoker, or know someone who is?  Don’t throw your cigarette butts out of your car window or onto the ground.  It takes just a second more to locate an ashtray or garbage receptacle.
  • Say “NO” to single use, disposable plastic products.  Reusable shopping bags are available everywhere!  They’re affordable and many places give them away as promotional items.  Please think twice when your grocer asks you, “paper or plastic?”  Say no thank you to either option, and hand your grocer a reusable bag.  Many stores give discounts (Target and Whole Foods, for example) when you use them, and you can turn your discount around and donate it to charity, through the store!
  • Pick up at least one piece of “someone else’s trash” and properly dispose of it today.  If everyone did this, it would make a HUGE impact and keep trash from finding its way into our waterways and environment.  It’s amazing how many people just don’t care…  (Many people refer to picking up refuse left by others as “karma trash,” or cleaning up poop at dog parks as “karma poops.”  It’s just good KARMA to help the earth and the environment!)
  • Be the change you want to see in the world.  If you have children, lead them by example when they are young and/or are especially eager to learn.  Show them that you refrain from disposable plastic bags… Get them to drink from reusable water bottles and not plastic water bottles.  Take them to the beach and show them the pollution that washes up on the shore and share with them how it harm the birds, creatures, and corals in the sea.   Track down a video of a sea turtle eating a plastic bag (thinking that it is a jellyfish)…or a seabird or sea lion with a plastic six-pack ring around its neck (which can easily eventually kill the animal).  They will follow your lead!

What do I hope will happen?  I look forward to the day that Mr. Trash Wheel and Professor Trash Wheel are forced to take days off because there is no debris for them to clean up!

Jana Sheeder sitting on the aft couch of a yacht in a marina

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT, with Eco-Hero Reusable Tote Bag

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If you are ready to make a difference, text HERO to 305-720-7245 and we’ll send you an “Eco-Hero” tote bag – just like the ones Jana carries with her and also uses at boat shows.  It’s Jana’s gift to you – from Jana and our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters!

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Will Synthetic Sponge Revolutionize Ocean Oil Spill Cleanup?

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OIL SPILL CONCERNS

Wow. Can it be?   The BP Deepwater Horizons oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was five years ago.

Many of us make a living from the sea.  Therefore, the memories of millions of gallons of crude oil spewing into the Gulf is still fresh in our minds.  We are private yacht charter consultants.  Subsequently, we look for every opportunity to promote sustainability. Additionally, we focus on environmental awareness for our clients.

 

SCIENTISTS IN AUSTRALIA

That’s why we were thrilled to read a recent report from a team of researchers at Australia’s Deakin University.  These scientists claim to have found an effective solution to clean up a major oil spill at sea.

Subsequently, they developed a special porous material that can soak up to 33 times its own weight in oil and organic solvents.

3 glass dishes showing steps of oil removal with inserted sponge

BORON NITRIDE POWDER

About two years ago, the researchers developed a boron nitride powder which they named, “White graphite.” The powder exhibited strong oil-absorption properties.  From there, they developed a sponge containing the boron nitride powder. They broke the powder down into thin nanosheets, consisting of tiny flakes measuring only several nanometers in thickness. The flakes have tiny, microscopic holes that serve to increase the sponge’s surface area per gram to the size of five and a half tennis courts.

 

“The pores in the nanosheets provide the surface area to absorb oils and organic solvents up to 33 times its own weight.”

So cites Dr. Weiwei Lei, lead researcher for the University’s team.

In addition, the sponge material is said to be flame-resistant.

 

DEAKIN RESEARCH

The Deakin researchers are now looking for industry partners to begin trialing the technology, with the hopes it can be adapted to form ultra-light aerogels and membranes to clean up large-scale ocean oil spills. With any luck at all, the idea of a Florida yacht charter vacation being postponed or cancelled due to a nearby oil spill might become a problem of the past.

 

COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Photo of birds flying in orange sunset

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters is thrilled about this.  She says,

“This is good news for charterers, and great news for our coastal wildlife and marine environment!”

 

 

 

HOW TO PROTECT THE EARTH?

What actions do you take in your daily life to improve and protect your hometown’s natural resources?

In conclusion, share your actions and ideas with us below.  We will happily send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.

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