
News
TELLTALES - NOVEMBER 2004
Volume 6 Issue 1
1. Editorial - From Jackie
2. The Next Generation (RYA Sailability) - Geoff Holt
3. Universal 18 Update - Chris Mitchell
4. From Switzerland
5. On the Road Again ? - Ian Anderson (Malaysia)
6. The Access Dinghy Hansa - Chris Mitchell
7. Food for Thought (NYD-Not Yet Disabled)
8. FESPIC Games 2006
9. Sailability Central West - Timothy Hone (Australia)
10. Sailability Port Stephens - Frank Bardsley (Australia)
11. Enoshima Yacht Harbor Sail Access Dinghies (Japan)
12. Transformation for Footloose, Seattle USA
13. Zul Down Under (Malaysia)
14. Access Sailors - Ricardo Jansen (Western Australia)
15. Australian & International Access Dinghy C'ships
16. Upcoming Regattas
1. Editorial - From Jackie
Ahoy everyone ,
Well these are certainly interesting times for our Access Dinghy family.
We have the privilege to witness first-hand, the rapid development of
sailing for people with disabilities. During this period, many new countries
are discovering the social benefits of including their disadvantaged communities
in day to day activities.
Individually, we can all make a difference to the world in which we live.
Whether we leave this world a better place, or not, is totally up to each
of us. "Our world" may be our immediate family, our community,
country or the world, but every small kindness will make a positive difference
to someone in some way.
This week, we lost a dear friend and supporter of Access Dinghies and
Sailability. It is with great sadness that we advise that our good friend,
Ken Grinham, past CEO of NSW Sports Council for the Disabled, passed away.
Ken is one who did make our world a far better place with his contribution
to the disabled sporting community around Australia. We will remember
Ken's dedication and his many kindnesses. He'll be sadly missed.
The Access Dinghy Foundation is honoured to be associated with our international
team of dedicated and passionate individuals. Even though many of us will
never meet face to face, we are an integral part of the like-minded wave
of community enrichment called Sailability.
As Louis Armstrong sang, "
and I think to myself, what a wonderful
world".
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2. THE NEXT GENERATION - Geoff Holt
RYA Sailability Vice-Chairman
Sailing is a sport to be enjoyed by those of all abilities and all ages
and never was this better demonstrated than when RYA Sailability Vice-Chairman,
Geoff Holt, himself a long-time wheelchair user and experienced sailor,
took his two year old son Timothy out for his first ever sailing experience.
Although normally a multihull sailor, Geoff chose a two-seater Access
Dinghy as it allowed him to oversee young Timothy's first outing without
the worry of capsize nor over-complicated controls.
"He was grinning from ear to ear from the moment he got in"
said Geoff, "and his favourite word is now "boats". Perhaps
one day he can crew for me, but I was just keen for him to experience
the same pleasure I get from sailing. Twenty years ago I was lucky to
survive my accident and never imagined the day I would become a father.
To take my son sailing, on my own, without help, just goes to show
that with the right boat, how life-enhancing and independent sailing can
be. I am paralysed from the chest down but the Access is the only boat
I could have used to achieve that dream, and the memory will stay with
me for a long time."
(Return to Index)
We
are still very committed to the right of people to sail solo, and believe
the Liberty, being so affordable, safe and easy to handle, has to be the
greatest leveller in the world. But being a compulsive serial designer
I can't just stop there,. And besides, it's much better to keep me working
on something new, as who knows, something really great might come out
of it.
Our new boat is different from the others, as it will carry asymmetric
spinnakers. An asymmetric is, as its name suggests, not symmetrical with
its tack being flown from a retractable fiberglass bow sprit, with sheets
attached to the clew much like the jib on a 303 Wide. Because the pole
is not changed from side to side this spinnaker is not all that good for
running square downwind and the quickest way to the leeward mark may be
run square with main and jib goose winged. However, for reaching and tacking
downwind the asymmetric spinnaker delivers great power and performance,
particularly on a planning hull like the Universal 18 (or UD 5.5, and
yes, it is now 5.5m or 18ft long)
Spinnakers add a new dimension to sailing in that without one the boat
is pretty well fail-safe and will heel over and round up into the wind
in a big gust. But not so with a spinnaker. It is quite common for a boat
to be overpowered and knocked down till the mast hits the water, dinghies
do it all the time, but on the U18 this is quite safe and adds to the
fun and excitement. You make a mistake and allow the boat to turn sideways
to a gusty wind and you may have to work hard to get back on course. This
mainly happens on boats with only one rudder as when a boat heels a centrally
mounted rudder lifts out of the water. But the U18 has two very high aspect
blades canted so the leeward blade increases in effectiveness as the boat
heels, but being high aspect are very powerful and effective, and easy
to control. You say left and around she will go.
Another safety feature is the wide beam and very wide side decks with
enormous buoyancy along the full length of the hull under the seats This
means that if you are temporarily knocked down, the helmsman, who may
be strapped into the seat on the centerline, is high and dry and clear
of the water. The deep draft and high ballast ratio ensure self-righting,
and any water will flow straight out of the self draining cockpit.
So we are equipping the U18 with all the tools to provide an exhilarating
high speed ride, but allow you to safely control and live to laugh at
what can be quite a hazard on more conventional boats. Of course, if you
only want a quiet and relaxing sail then don't fly the spinnaker.
A note about versatility. Although designed with elite competition in
mind, specifically with a 2 person crew, the U18 can also be sailed solo
by anyone, though spinnakers should not be flown by sailors with limited
hand function. The U18 is also big and roomy enough for a third person,
or a small family.
Concept Drawing of Universal 18
(Return to Index)
4. From Switzerland
Hello Chris
Let me introduce myself first. I am not disabled but interested in the
Access Dinghies for another reason. Sailing is for me relaxing and recreation
and not for "adrenalin". I am looking for a small but stable
and safe sailing boat which is a good performer in our light-winded conditions.
Here in Switzerland it is just impossible to get a mooring place, so a
common keelboat makes no sense. There are some places where you store
a boat on land but the infrastructure is not so good that you can launch
a keelboat alone.
I owned a Pabouk 2.6m, This unique boat sailed good when I tested in on
the Atlantic coast but not so good in the short wave pattern on our Swiss
lakes. Lauching was also not so easy as
expected.
My favourite of the Access Dinghy family is the Liberty - but you cannot
take a passenger with you. So the characteristics of the new UD5.5 looks
very promising...! Kind regards from Switzerland -Juerg
(Return to Index)
5. On the Road Again ? - Ian Anderson
So much seems to have happened since the last newsletter,
and yet we are still afloat without a boat.Many people have been active
behind the scenes to help get us started. Let me mention a few as we could
not move forward without them:
Chris Mitchell and Jackie Kay-They have been sooo patient with us. Coaching
us along, to the point where we now have boats ordered. We have ordered
two Access 2.3s under Sailability Malaysia, while the Malaysian Paralympic
Council are beginning to gear up for the 2006 FESPIC games here in KL
and have ordered five 2.3's to train up the local heroes. So we will see
a total of seven 2.3's on the water here so - not a bad start!
NOL have been wonderful in sponsoring our first boat (a very BIG THANK
YOU to Dan McHugh, SK Choy, and Eian Lim at the APL offices in Singapore
and Malaysia). APL is also providing shipment of the container carrying
all the boats from Melbourne to Port Klang, Malaysia.
Frankie Thanapal and Alan Tan from Singapore Disability Sports Council.
These guys have helped with boat sponsorship, provided boats for display
purposes, and helped with coaching our people. I think they want us to
get going so they can come up to KL and beat us!!
Our friends at Kelab Tasik Putrajaya are also supportive of Sailability,
and are providing the venue for our sailing days and storage facilities
for the boats, once they arrive. Tuan Haji Ghani, the Kelab Secretary
and Director of Putrajaya City Services Department, thought that he may
even take up sailing himself. We will welcome him on the water!
Our Sailability entity is being formed under Cheshire Home's Sport and
Recreation arm. This agreement was reached at the Cheshire Home's AGM
on October 12th 2004. This is great news for Sailability in Malaysia as
we now have a formal entity under which we can operate and serve the community.
Another BIG THANK YOU to the leadership at Cheshire Home. We particularly
want to thank Puan Khatijah and Dato Ghazali Dato' Yusoff, who are strong
supporters of Sailability Malaysia.
In August I had the wonderful opportunity to represent Access Dinghies
and Sailability Malaysia at the 32nd International Congress on Social
Welfare here in Kuala Lumpur. At this conference some 1600 delegates from
around the world met to exchange ideas on the needs of those socially
disadvantaged.
On
September 4 -7, I was again fortunate to represent Access Dinghies at
the 7th International Foundation on Aging in Singapore. Our friends at
Singapore Disabilities Sports Council (SDSC) provided a Liberty to display
in the lobby area of the convention. The boat got a lot of attention and
I believe Frankie and Alan from SDSC, have a list of "not so young"
would be sailors to add to their growing numbers.
In undertaking this assignment I got to improve my knowledge of Accessible
Design. If you are not sure what this is about search this web site for
the details. Access Dinghies do a great job of meeting the Accessible
Design goals.
Networking is always an important part of these conferences, and I was
privileged to meet up with Ishi-San from Japan and other kindred spirits.
Many see what Sailability and Access Dinghies are doing for people of
different ability and different generations around the world, and are
excited at the possibilities.
Gid'day
mate!
Sailability Malaysia sent Zul to Australia for the Aussie Nationals @
Belmont over the October 2 & 3 weekend. Up until now Zul had only
seen winds of less than 15 knots. He got a windy welcome down under. I
will let Zul his own story, but to see his face all aglow, and a 6th place
out of 18 in Division 3 is not a bad result for a man who only got in
a boat in April this year. There is a strong hint he will invite others
to compete here in Kuala Lumpur (when he has a boat J). See page 6.
Watch this space for pictures of Access Dinghies afloat on Malaysian
waters
.. real soon!
(Return to Index)
6.
The Access Dinghy Hansa
Chris Mitchell
The actual logo design came from an Airline TV advertisement which showed
a swan in slow motion flight, its head stationary with the neck undulating
in a subtle wave as its wings powered it along.
The simplest explanation for its origin is the bird is a swan, and a
swan in Sanskrit is a Hansa. Influence can be seen in Indonesian and Malay
languages where a Goose (or a swan) is an Angsah. Sanskrit is actually
the language of the ancient white Aryan race whom once dominated central
Asia, and German philosophers have often derived inspiration from its
traditions. One honourable legacy of this is the great world airline,
Lufthansa.
So far this is all pretty mundane, but for those who want, the story can
go a little deeper as there is an oriental myth which states that at the
third heaven, soul bathes in the sacred Lake of Mansarover and emerges
as a Hansa, the symbol of a purified soul. We may ask which came first,
the truth behind the myth or the Sanskrit language which recorded it.
Unfortunately for the Hansa, the myth goes on to suggest that this is
the end of the story, that Soul blends in with some divine matrix, losing
its identity like a drop of water is lost in the Ocean.
We however don't agree with that sad ending, why should there be an ending
at all, so the Access Dinghy Hansa sees this as only the end of matter,
mind, and time, and flies on into ever expanding worlds of Oneness and
Eternity, retaining its uniqueness and individuality.
(Return to Index)
7. Food for Thought (NYD-Not Yet Disabled)
Pat Gabriel - Sailability
ACT
From Jackie: Pat wrote this article a few years ago, but it is worthy
of publishing again, to remind us all about the unexpected challenges
that life throws at us from time to time.
It is a good time for able bodied sailors to think about what it might
be like to be disabled. I am sure that many people are inspired by the
courage and determination, as well as the good humour shown by the many
sailors with a disability. None of us know when we will be incapacitated
by illness or accident - or how we will cope with it.
Have you ever considered that there may come a time when you will be disabled?
'Garn.' You might say 'Look at me - I'm strong, fit, twenty (or forty
or sixty), never had a anything more than measles or the occasional cold
in my whole life!'
But how will you feel if you become disabled because you have a stroke?
What if you become disabled with arthritis? Have a traffic or work related
accident that puts you into a wheelchair? Need to have your knees or hips
replaced with plastic ones? Lose your sight or your hearing? Or maybe
your financial status changes and your disposable income is reduced? How
will this affect your ability to sail? What will be the level of your
self-esteem?
When you are no longer able to rig your own boat or pull your weight as
part of a crew, what will you do? Take up knitting? Hang around the club
feeling sad and sorry for yourself and being a misery to other people?
Or do you have a contingency plan that will enable you to continue sailing
- even if it is at a level and in a class of boat that you would not normally
consider to be 'real sailing'. Depends on how much you want to sail doesn't
it?
It is fact that most people with a disability were once people without
that disability. If people with a disability are considered as separate
from those who see themselves as 'normal' they will not be able to expect
the rights and responsibilities that are taken for granted by the 'labellers'
i.e. the NYD!
Note:
18% of Australians have some sort of disability. 1.8 million Australian
are carers. (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
PWD-Person with a Disability
NYD-Not Yet Disabled
(Return to Index)
"The tree" at YMCS SC from
which Sailability ACT operated,
before relocating to a permanent location and a new tree
at Lake Tuggeranong.
8. FESPIC GAMES 2006
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ATTENTION SAILORS WITH A DISABILITY IN
S.E. ASIA & STH PACIFIC
For the first time sailing has been included on the programme of the
Regional Competition of 2006 FESPIC Games. Eighteen Access Liberty's will
be provided free of charge and the competition will be open to any sailor
with a disability who is classifiable under the IFDS Classification System.
FESPIC is the Far East
and South Pacific Disability Games. There are 45 member nations of FESPIC.
To obtain further information regarding the 2006 FESPIC Games sailing
competition, contact your country's Paralympic Committee, or Jackie
Kay
(Return to Index)
9. Sailability Central West - Timothy Hone
Sailability Orange was renamed Central West last year as an increasing
number of participants came from an expanding geographical area. This
now encompasses Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Orange and Young. We usually
meet at Carcoar Dam Sailing Club. These sailing days are great social
occasions too, with many members and their families/friends staying the
whole day. We also have a school sailing program which runs during terms
one and four; 80 students from four schools are involved, the majority
of whom are youth at risk or youth with a disability.
Central West had small beginnings about three years ago with just one
Access 2.3, launching from the dam foreshores with a handful of volunteers
and participants. As the need for more equipment and infrastructure arose,
much fundraising became necessary. Local businesses, individuals, social
clubs and community organizations have been approached for various projects,
and through their generosity we have been able to finance new Access dinghies,
PFDs, pontoon and hoist, a reliable recovery boat, and storage shed.
One particular aspect of Sailability, which is always inspiring, are
the wonderful stories, smiles and happy tears of those involved; Sailability
has touched the hearts of many, and its success lies in the physical and
emotional experiences that sailing fosters. I believe that whenever one
is doing something connected with Access Dinghies or Sailability, one
is somehow linked to a 'higher source'. This energy is so pure it is no
surprise that the Sailability network is growing worldwide!
Happy youngsters in Central West of NSW benefit from
sailing activities at Carcoar Dam. After recent rains in drought stricken
NSW, the dam is now at 13% capacity. Sailing area is approx 400 x 300
metres, but where there is a will there is a way.
(Return to Index)
10. Sailability Port Stephens - Frank Bardsley
The sailing activity at Grahamstown Dam is a project sponsored and supported
by the members of the Rotary Club of Williamtown. In 1999 past President,
Tom Ford saw a need for an activity in which the local youth could participate,
and enjoy, at minimal cost. Sailing boats and sponsorships were procured,
volunteers arranged sail training and the project was launched.
The
Rotary Club of Williamtown provided sailing craft and supervised weekend
sailing activities. Now, our fleets consists of 4 x 303's, 5 x 2.3's and
a large number of catamarans,
Visitors to the facility have increased dramatically over the past three
years, with over1000 members of the public participating in our sailing
programs in the 2001/2002 sailing season. Grahamstown Sailing & Aquatic
Club, in conjunction with Sailability Port Stephens and increased numbers
of volunteers have been able to organise special activity days additional
to our normal weekend/weekday activities. They include visits by disadvantaged
groups from the Hunter Valley, senior citizens, church and scouting groups,
a "come sailing" days, (an invitation to the general public)
as well as RAAF personnel sailing days. Media coverage with the spotlight
on Rotary's involvement has put this sailing project in the public's eye,
as a very worthwhile community activity.
(Return to Index)
11. Enoshima Yacht Harbor Sail Access Dinghies
Nobi Nishi
The Enoshima Yacht Harbor was built for the sailing competition at the
Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. So this yacht harbour is the one of the most
famous yacht harbors to Japanese sailors and is considered as the Mecca
of yacht racing.
The President of the Enoshima yacht club, Mr. Matsumoto, participated
as Japan's representative in the 5.5 meter class in the Olympics. I met
with Mr. Matsumoto at the party of old sailors, where I took an Access
Dinghy 2.3 wide to the party hall.
Several months later we organized a "come and try" in the Enoshima
Yacht Harbor. Then, Mr. Matsumoto saw various people enjoying sailing
for the first time. Generally in the harbor there are very few smiling
faces of the serious sailors. Mr. Matsumoto watched our happy, inexperienced
sailors and he saw some sailors with a disability.
Sailability
Enoshima began their sailing activities with four Access Dinghies in June
2003. It was quite good start, and after newspapers wrote about our activity,
Rlocal radio program introduced us several times and some TV programs
also reported about Access Dinghies, many people became interested in
Sailability. However, this was only the beginning.
In April 2004, Enoshima also got two Liberty and now they have sailing
for beginners and experienced sailors. Sailability Enoshima has 80 members,
including old men and women, children, and disabled persons, and many
volunteers. And now in 2004, people have impression of Mecca of Access
Dinghy sailing in the Enoshima Yacht Harbor.
(Return to Index)
L-R
rear- Nobi Nishii, Mr. Matsumoto
L-R front- Grahme Rayner, Mrs.Nishii
12. Transformation for Footloose, Seattle USA
Elizabeth Riggs-Rear Admiral
Access
Dinghies have transformed our program, with many more participants learning
how to sail and becoming skippers who take others out, an increase in
commitment and membership from both participants and volunteers, and a
program, with the davit and slings, that is attracting more severely disabled
participants. Recently one of our disabled participants learned how to
fly with our new lifting equipment. I took out a new participant with
MS, turning her loose with the tiller once we were out of the marina and
letting her sail while I managed the sheets, giving her one or two helpful
hints. She said, "This was the best day I've had in two and a half
years". It made my day too.
(Return
to Index)
Denis Hannan testing the new hoist.
13. Zul Down Under - Zulkifli Mohd Ali
(Translated from the original in Bahasa Melayu)
I had a new experience when I went to Sydney to participate in a sailing
competition that was held at Belmont. This is the first sailing competition
I had participated in. I was awe struck when I met two persons who are
paralysed from the neck downwards. Their names are Nava and Andrew. Both
of them only use their chin to navigate their wheel chairs and sail boats.
Before Ian Anderson introduced me to an Access Dinghy, I was afraid of
any water sports, especially sailing. After meeting Nava and Andrew I
have the self-confidence to try the sport of sailing, and many friends
in Australia have given me the desire sail
.
People like Win and Brime have been very kind to me. Neil and Barbara
gave me accommodation in their home in Sydney. I would also like to thank
Ian, Wendy and their family for sponsorship of my airfare and tournament
fees in Sydney. Without their support I would not be able to participate
in the sailing competition in Belmont.
Zul with Andrew and Nava at Belmont
(Return to Index)
14. Access Sailors
To help us gain an understanding of sailors with a
disability & to learn of their aspirations, over coming editions,
we will profile several sailors from around the world. This month we feature
Australian sailor, Ricardo Jansen, from Western Australia. He is one of
Australia's three sailing ventilated quadriplegics. His Liberty, "Black
Magic" is the only black Access Dinghy ever built.
Ricardo Jansen - Western Australia
Seven years ago my life as I knew it, took a dramatic turn.
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and through no fault of my
own, ended up fighting for my life in hospital for three and a half years.
Consequently, I was left a C2 Quadriplegic on a ventilator, having to
rely on 24hr nursing care for the remainder of my life. But life, as they
say, is what you make it! And I have made the most of mine.
Earlier
this year I was introduced to Sailability and I have not looked back.
Initially I was ballast for a Sonar having crew around me doing everything.
Don't get me wrong, I love being on the water but I wanted something more
I was then told of a boat that would allow me to sail completely unassisted
and give me the freedom and independence I was craving. Call me pessimistic,
but how could a guy who could not move from below his shoulders and relying
on life support possibly achieve a dream as wonderful as this? Thanks
to the Access Liberty Team and Sailability, this dream has become a reality.
Twice a week, on the beautiful waters of the Swan River in Perth, my life
is temporarily transformed from one of complete reliance on others, to
that of navigating life my way!
I use a servo assist chin control to operate both my steering and sails,
and I have installed a custom-made rally seat. Why the rally seat? It
gives me a great chance to get the adrenalin rush I long for and the opportunity
to push things to the ultimate limit.
I love my Access Liberty and the opportunity it has given me to be at
one with the water and myself. To some, being alone is simply taken for
granted. For me, it is a privilege. When I am in my Liberty, I feel exhilarated
beyond belief, independent and in control again.
(Return to Index)
15. AUST & INTERNATINAL REGATTA
2 & 3 Oct at Belmont, NSW
.from the South Australia Team
Sailability South Australia was one of the State Organisations to field
an enthusiastic team for the Regatta in Belmont. Nine sailors and a 12
strong support crew, towed ten 2.3's, 303's and Liberty over 1500 km from
Adelaide to Belmont to make the Championship a great success.
The team arrived in the strongest storm to hit Lake Macquarie for a long
time and those that came by train had to catch a bus as the line was flooded.
For Andrew and Helene this meant waiting for a van to take two electric
chairs; and the driver had to take a detour! Chris and his father lost
their beds for the night as a tree fell into their rented cabin! The boats
got a thorough clean while the team recovered in the Clubhouse.
Sailability S.A. has four active branches and sail a total of 8 x Liberty,
16 x Access 303's and 6 x 2.3's at Adelaide Sailing Club, Port Adelaide
Sailing Club, Port Lincoln Yacht Club and Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club. The
success of the South Australian sailors, two thirds and a second, is due
to the fact that Access Dinghies race regularly at all the clubs; at Adelaide
Sailing Club the fleet is 50 strong with eight divisions including Lasers,
420s and Pacers.
Deirdre Schahinger who was the founder of Sailability in South Australia
nine years ago will become involved with the Australian Access Dinghy
Class Association and current President of Sailability S.A., John Johnston
is a member of the Sailability Australia Committee.
Coastal
gale warnings were issues for Friday and Saturday. The Australian Army
had generously erected a large floating pontoon to assist with launching
the Dinghies and management of the thirteen safety craft. Unfortunately
during Friday afternoon's wild conditions, with gusts over 60 knots, the
pontoon got damaged and was removed.
At Regatta Dinner, Yachting Australia's Disabled Sailor of the Year Award
was jointly presented to Dan Fitzgibbon (Qld) & Andrew Hartley (Sth
Aust) by Yachting Australia CEO, Phil Jones and Sailability Australia,
Chairman Bruce Dickson. Pictured below Left to Right: Phil, Dan, Bruce
& Andrew

(Return to Index)
16. Upcoming Regattas
2005
March 12-13
South Aust. Access Dinghy C'ship
Port Adelaide SailingClub
Port Adelaide, South Australia
April 9-13
Trans Tasman Masters Games
Grahamstown Dam, Port Setphens
Australia
Contact: Grahme Rayner
June 9-11
RYA Sailability National Regatta
Liberty Teams Event & other events
Weymouth, UK
July (TBA)
French Access Dinghy C'ships
St Quentin en Yvelines near Paris
La Voile Ensemble
August 6
Canadian Access Dinghy C'ships
Quinte Sailability
Quinte, Ontario
August (TBA)
Access Dinghy International C'ships
Porto, Portugal
August 8-16
2005 IFDS Single Person Dinghy WorldC'ships
Rutland Waters, Great Britain
Contact Pauline Harrison
September 2-3
UK Access Dinghy Chapionships
Pitsford Reservoir, Northants
Northampton Sailability
2006
February (TBA)
Australian Access Dinghy
C'ships
Yet to be confirmed
Melbourne AUSTRALIA
March (TBA)
Commonwealth Liberty C'ship
Waterfront City, Docklands
Docklands Yacht Club Melbourne
AUSTRALIA
Sept or Nov (TBA)
FESPIC Games
Far East & Sth Pacific Disabled Games
Kuala Lumper, MALAYSIA
Contact Your National Paralympic
Committee
(Return to Index)
Copyright © Access Dinghies, 2002-2006
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