For the second consecutive year, TYKUN has received the Blue Wake Award in the Tenders / Water Toys category, recognising the TYKUN X and TYKUN XII for their comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment.
The Monaco Yacht Show provided the setting for the debut of the TYKUN XII, TYKUN’s new flagship and the latest model from MED Group’s supertender division. Measuring 12.90 metres, the TYKUN XII takes the concept of the TYKUN X onto a larger platform designed to combine performance, range and versatility, from day boating to multi-day cruising. During the Monaco Yacht Show, the TYKUN XII played an operational role, serving throughout the event as the official tender of Monaco-based brokerage Royal Yacht International for event-related activities and transfers. The project builds on TYKUN’s aluminium hull and deck construction, as well as MED Group’s know-how developed through the construction of vessels for military, law enforcement and special forces applications. On this technical platform, however, the TYKUN XII takes on the proportions of a compact luxury yacht. Its extensive customisation possibilities allow each boat to be developed according to a bespoke atelier approach, with every unit tailored to the specific requirements of its owner. The project was designed by Tommaso Spadolini, based on the concept developed with Benedetta Iovane, while hull and structural engineering were entrusted to Carlo Bertorello. “On the TYKUN XII, we focused on achieving the right balance between increased volumes and the need to preserve the strong, technical identity of the range. The larger dimensions gave us greater freedom in designing the spaces, but also the responsibility to maintain proportions consistent with the boat’s sporty character,” says architect Tommaso Spadolini. “The result is a project that is immediately recognisable as a TYKUN.”
“The presence of the TYKUN XII at the Monaco Yacht Show, where it operated on the water for Royal Yacht International throughout the event, perfectly reflects our Group’s philosophy,” says Marco Galimberti, CEO of MED Group. “Our aim is to bring into the world of luxury yachting the know-how developed through vessels designed for military engineering and the most demanding operating conditions, combining performance and reliability with the elegance and comfort of high-end Made in Italy design. “The debut of our flagship, together with a second consecutive Blue Wake Award recognising our commitment to sustainability and product life-cycle assessment, confirms that TYKUN and MED Group are on the right path towards setting new standards in luxury yachting.”
Two configurations, two ways of experiencing the TYKUN XII
The TYKUN XII is available in High Bow and Low Bow configurations, with the choice shaping the layout of both the exterior and interior spaces. The model presented in Monaco featured the High Bow configuration, distinguished by its raised bow profile, greater interior volume and generous forward sunbathing area. The Low Bow version adopts a walkaround layout, with the bow area configured to accommodate seating and a table, while offering a more compact interior volume. The central section of the deck is organised around the helm station, protected by a wraparound windscreen with a reverse rake that echoes the distinctive language of workboats. Behind it is a fully equipped bar counter, which can include a large refrigerator, ice maker, cooking surface and air-conditioning system. The area is sheltered by a large carbon-fibre hardtop.
Aft, the cockpit is one of the yacht’s principal outdoor living spaces. The fold-down side bulwarks open towards the sea, extending the usable area and transforming the cockpit into a terrace over the water. Below deck, several layouts are available, including a double bed, V-berths or a convertible living area, together with a separate bathroom with shower and dedicated storage spaces. “The TYKUN XII allowed us to take the concept embodied by the TYKUN X further without losing its identity,” says Benedetta Iovane, concept designer and naval consultant. “The increase in size has brought the TYKUN DNA even more clearly to the fore: safe, fast and comfortable in every situation. The High Bow and Low Bow configurations are not simply two different bow options, but two distinct interpretations of how to experience the boat, both built around the same technical platform and the same character.”
Aluminium construction
The hull and deck are built in 5000-series aluminium, while the stepped hull geometry has been developed to support high-speed performance. The raised forward profile enhances protection and comfort in challenging sea conditions, while an enlarged fender system runs around the perimeter of the hull, integrating protection into the boat’s overall lines. The aluminium construction also contributes to the flexibility of the project, allowing modifications to the structure and layout while facilitating a high degree of customisation. “It is often assumed that, on an aluminium boat, the most complex component to build is the hull, whereas one of the most demanding parts is actually the deck,” explains Marco Galimberti. “Building the deck, furnishings and all integrated elements in aluminium requires extreme precision and a largely manual process. Every weld has to be inspected and checked, while the structure undergoes specific testing before completion. This construction approach comes directly from our experience with professional vessels and brings a level of process control to the tender segment that is often difficult to appreciate once the boat is completed.” Propulsion is provided by twin outboard engines, with power options of 400, 450 and 600 hp. In its most powerful configuration, the TYKUN XII exceeds 50 knots. Fuel capacity can reach 1,360 litres, while freshwater capacity is up to 300 litres.
The awards ceremony took place on 23 September, with TYKUN receiving the Blue Wake Award for the second consecutive year in the Tenders / Water Toys category. The award recognised the TYKUN X and TYKUN XII for their comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as part of the process leading to their Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
The world’s first EPD for a motor yacht
The Blue Wake Award follows the registration of TYKUN’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), described as the world’s first EPD for a motor yacht. The EPD provides transparent and verified data from a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) covering the vessel’s entire life cycle, from raw material sourcing through production and outfitting, operation and maintenance, to end of life. The process was conducted by SEA INNOVHUB, verified by RINA and registered with the International EPD System. The declaration is valid until 2031 and covers the TYKUN X and TYKUN XII, with the TYKUN XII serving as the representative model.
“For us, the EPD is not a destination but a baseline from which to start,” explains Marco Galimberti, CEO of MED. “We now know the impact of the product we build and therefore have adata-driven foundationon which to work: identifying alternative materials, modifying processes, making changes to components and progressively seeking solutions that can reduce that impact. This is an engineering-driven journey that we intend to apply across the TYKUN family and, looking ahead, to our professional vessels as well.”
Emanuele Castagno, Executive Vice President at RINA, also underlines the significance of MED’s approach: “MED’s journey demonstrates how sustainability can become an integral part of a product’s design and development processes, turning the availability of reliable data into a tangible driver for innovation. RINA’s independent verification has ensured the methodological rigour required to make these results transparent and comparable in accordance with international standards. We consider this approach particularly significant for the marine industry, which is increasingly called upon to combine excellence and performance with a growing focus on environmental impact.”
