Now that we’re ending the first full week of the New Year, you’ve probably heard and read your share of “year in review” stories. But what about the year ahead? In the yacht world, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s a sampling of just some of the most anticipated deliveries coming within the next several months:

One of the most popular onboard conveniences is a single handheld and/or touch-screen controller managing lighting, air conditioning, and entertainment options. The ever-present Crestron units come to mind, but no matter the manufacturer, they’re indispensable.

When The Other Woman was launched in 1991, many felt the 192-footer really should have been a motoryacht rather than a motorsailer, given her decidedly power-oriented styling. Take a look at the image at left, taken several years ago, and you’ll probably agree.

For about two weeks now, I’ve been following developments at the renowned Miami-based Merrill-Stevens, which shut its doors just before Christmas. Some reports state no more employees remain, while other say about 20 security and other back-office personnel are still on site.

New Year’s Eve was anything but normal for the dozens upon dozens of megayachts that ventured to St. Barts. In fact, instead of ringing in 2010 stern-to as usual in Gustavia, more than 80 yachts did it anchored offshore, due to some incredibly rough swells.

Happy New Year, everyone. To get 2010 off to a healthy start, I thought a good chuckle was in order. I trust you’ll love this story as much as I do…

Celebrities and businesspeople reinvent themselves successfully to appeal to new markets… so why can’t megayacht builders?

They can – and are. Westport Shipyards is one of them. While it’s not changing the way it’s doing business, it has rethought its popular 130-foot semicustom series, relaunching it with a new design and name.

Celebrities and businesspeople reinvent themselves successfully to appeal to new markets . . . so why can't megayacht builders?

They can – and are. Westport Shipyards is one of them. While it's not changing the way it's doing business, it has rethought its popular 130-foot semicustom series, relaunching it with a new design and name.

Considering Westport sold 28 units in the W130 series since its inception in 2001, the move may come as a bit of a surprise. But the management team took a good look at the global market and decided there was an opportunity to tailor the appearance more to European and Middle Eastern owners. Even the new name reflects the intended markets: 40M, with "M" meaning "meters."

While economists continue to bemoan the weak dollar, there is actually a bright side, one that many in the megayacht community (and likely other sectors) have known for some time. When one currency falls, it can swing business in favor of companies using that denomination. One recent example occurred at Derecktor Shipyards.

Here's the latest delivery in Heesen’s successful all-aluminum series of launches, 4YOU.