Istanbul hosting a new-generation 15-metre cruiser
AIATA will show its newly introduced Wayfinder 50 at the Bosphorus Boat Show In Water in Istanbul from 17 to 25 October 2026. The Turkish boat brand, developed by Anadolu Motor within the Anadolu Group, says it will exhibit the enclosed cruiser alongside the smaller Wayfinder 38 and Sunfinder 38 at Ataköy Marina.
The appearance is a local in-water presentation following the Wayfinder 50's world premiere at Cannes in September. It should not be described as a second world launch, and prospective visitors should check the final berth allocations and admission arrangements with the organiser before travelling.
At 15.35 metres overall, the Wayfinder 50 belongs in the segment of motor yachts that combine long-day entertaining with weekend accommodation. Its appeal depends on how well its enclosed wheelhouse and flexible interior perform during ordinary family trips rather than on any claim to be a larger expedition yacht.
An enclosed alternative within AIATA's range
The builder positions the Wayfinder 50 as the more sheltered counterpart to the open Sunfinder 50, sharing a basic platform while changing the protection provided around the driving and living areas. The range has been developed with Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén of Navia Design.
For owners using the Bosphorus or Mediterranean in different seasons, wheelhouse shelter can be as important as the arrangement of sun pads and cockpit seating. Buyers should test all-round visibility, airflow and the ease of accessing outdoor stations when the doors are closed or the weather deteriorates.
The distinction between models also matters for comparisons of equipment and price. Similar exterior length does not mean every platform variant has identical layouts or the same distribution of standard and optional fittings.
Two cabin layouts answer different requirements
AIATA's published specification gives buyers two main accommodation arrangements, each including two cabins. One uses a bathroom with a separate shower and a galley, while the alternative sacrifices the galley to provide two bathrooms with separate showers.
That is an unusually clear trade-off between self-sufficiency when cooking aboard and privacy for separate parties using the cabins. A cruising couple with occasional guests may value the galley, while groups who make shorter passages could prefer the additional bathroom.
Neither configuration should be judged by cabin count alone. Accessible storage, ventilation, berth dimensions, freshwater provision and movement between accommodation and deck will all help determine whether the yacht works comfortably over several nights.
Engines, tanks and realistic operating questions
The manufacturer's figures describe three engines rated at 400 horsepower each, fuel capacity of 1,600 litres and freshwater capacity of 360 litres. AIATA lists an indicative cruising speed of 28 knots and a maximum-speed range of 40 to 50 knots, figures that should be treated as published specifications rather than independently verified tests.
Consumption and range will vary with propulsion configuration, loading, sea state and speed. Before agreeing to a purchase, an owner should request a recorded trial with fuel readings in conditions relevant to the routes they expect to operate.
Access to machinery, stabilisation requirements where applicable and maintenance support in home waters are also important. Fast yachts can spend much of their time at modest cruising speeds, making noise, manoeuvrability and low-speed control significant parts of the ownership experience.
The Bosphorus show as a practical comparison
The Istanbul event gives visitors an opportunity to see several AIATA configurations in one place, and to decide whether the larger enclosed flagship suits their own boating habits. The builder's public announcement concerns three exhibited models and not a commitment to every possible configuration being available for sea trials.
For the brand, the show is a chance to develop relationships in its home market while continuing to build an international distribution network. For visitors, it is a chance to ask questions about delivery timing, warranty responsibilities and precisely which equipment is available through the local dealer.
With the exhibition beginning on 17 October, the Wayfinder 50 story is about a fresh opportunity to inspect the boat afloat. Confirmed performance and long-term reliability will depend on owner experience and properly documented operating data, not simply on the spectacle of a debut.
