Media Changes and Shake-ups

Media is changing in our society. Where media used to be divided into the categories of television, radio, and print publishing (books, magazines, newspaper, etc.) media today is intermixed. Some key innovations in technology–e.g. the personal computer, the internet, the cell phone–have revolutionized the way people communicate, and as the functions of these inventions become more popular, newer technology finds ways to unite them together. With the technology available to us today, newspapers and magazines are read on the internet, books are available for e-download on cell phone screens, and podcasts broadcast radio programs to millions everywhere.

Media technology is blossoming in every facet of the industry, which in turn alters the ways people use media to communicate, learn, stay connected, and be entertained. In particular, the internet has revolutionized the way people use computers and digital devices to interact. Social Media Platforms like Myspace and Facebook create digitalized social spaces where people keep track of their friends, share their lives, ambitions, and businesses, and make connections. Digital media, such as streaming online video feeds (Youtube) provides a unique source of information and entertainment for millions worldwide. With the invention of the iPhone from Apple and handheld telecommunication devices like it, all forms of media can be taken anywhere.

As technology changes media, media companies invoke change in business practices to maximize new and emerging markets. Where the media industry was once divided into the branches of television, radio, and print publishing–branches that sometimes cooperated and sometimes competed for advertising dollars–the distinction between them has become increasingly blurred. As the different mediums for communication become more interconnected, media companies themselves have found it increasingly profitable to collaborate, establish partnerships, and facilitate mergers between media companies in order to incorporate radio, television, newspapers, magazines, search engine technology, telecommunications under one umbrella.

The technology leaders in the shake-up of the media industry include technicians, innovators, enterprising businessmen and women, and the media metric moguls that scramble to make sure their technology provides accurate information on what it’s all worth. Although the playing field keeps changing, leaders and innovators in media technology are on the forefront of systemic social, business, and political change.

As innovations in technology and media continue to change, keeping and eye on the leaders of the industry will let us know what is coming next in a interconnected world where media is the conduit for business, the vehicle for social interaction, and the springboard for technological development.

An international recovery is underway led by the Caribbean, which could see bareboat activity reach 2001 peaks within two years if the markets continue to grow at a rate of 6-8%.

While the average size of a bareboat fleet has been reduced by 8% over the last two years, there has been a 50% increase in charter customers since 2001 which now represents $75 million in annual turnover.

However, it is the Caribbean and principally the Virgin Islands, which lead this recovery with a 6% gain since 2001, and remarkably this means it has captured an additional 3% of the international marketplace at the expense of the United States, Europe and other areas. It now owns 56% of the international bareboat arena.

In fact, the Caribbean has for the first time exceeded the historic highs of 2001 and looks set to grow by an additional 6-8% next year.

The Virgin Islands in particular, outstrip its closest rival, The Pacific NW/California, by nearly 60%. Together these two areas account for nearly 80% of international bareboat charters.

Again, the bulk of international customers are choosing to take their sailing vacations during the summer months with 2005 activity now outstripping 2004.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for the United States, which has still seen a healthy 4%, increase in bareboat activity.

But it increasingly looks like some of their traditional customers are heading to The British Virgin Islands.

It is worth noting that its strongest lynchpin, the Pacific NW/California, while edging up, is still 13% off 2001 levels and actually recorded a slight drop over 2004 levels. It is starting to look like the poor cousin of the BVI!

A dark horse in the international marketplace is Europe, which is the only region to show positive gains each year since 2001 quietly posting a 60% increase in bareboat activity. However, it still represents only a fraction of the international pie.

Mexico also shows modest gains but is slightly off the pace of 2004.

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Sailing vacations provide great getaways for families in the open seas with nothing except the blue sky and the shimmering water. These vacations are conducted on boats, yachts, catamarans or trimarans and may last up to a week. People can go sailing either with their families or friends or with a whole group of other similar sailing vacationers.

Planning for a sailing vacation involves the selection of a suitable destination. Ideal destinations are those which have scenic beaches which can provide a grand view from the sea. Destinations should be selected with care because different destinations have different climates and ocean currents according to seasons.

Then the mode of water transport must be hired. It could either be a small boat, yacht or a catamaran. For a small number of people, perhaps less than four, a boat up to 25 feet long is enough. For a larger group it is ideal to have a yacht with three or four cabins for the couples or families. For a yet larger group, like a school or an office cruise, it is better to have a catamaran. Things of personal need like water, fruits, mariner’s compass, maps, etc. must be taken aboard the transport.

Small groups can rent a bareboat, i.e. a boat without any crew. If a bareboat is rented, then the vacationers have to do their rowing and navigation themselves. In case a group lacks the confidence to navigate their own boats, they can either hire a skipper. A skipper is an expert who knows the intricacies of the place along with navigational tactics. Sometimes a bareboat with a skipper is a good, money-saving idea rather than hiring an entire crew. Water transport renters also provide sailing instructions.

There are many flotillas which can prove beneficial to sailing vacationers. Flotillas are like sea caravans - they are groups of sail boats or yachts that follow a leading boat, which is steered by pros. Following a flotilla reduces the worry of having to navigate and get lost in the open sea. There is also the advantage of having spare parts within reach if needed.

People going on sailing vacations usually sail during the day and enjoy the beauty of the maritime landscape. During nights they may stay on beaches, resorts or in hotels. Some people who sail in catamarans or in big yachts with their own rooms also undertake the adventure of sailing during the night.

There are many hotspots where sailing vacations are concerned. The Caribbean islands are one of the hottest destinations. With their tiny islands so close to each other, they are a sailing vacationer’s haven. The Bahamas are also highly preferred destinations. Other destinations like Maine, the Hawaiian Islands, the Australian and New Zealand islands are scattered around the globe.

Sailing Vacations provides detailed information on Bahamas Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Vacations, Catamaran Sailing Vacations, Family Sailing Vacations and more. Sailing Vacations is affiliated with Caribbean Sailing.