Model Maker Group Turns Monaco Into a Superyacht Scale-Model Treasure Hunt

Model Maker Group has turned Monaco into a city-wide yacht-model search during the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. The Italian specialist is inviting visitors to find, photograph and share images of its yacht and superyacht scale models displayed at locations around the principality outside the main exhibition area.

The free challenge runs throughout the show from 23 to 26 September and is designed to draw attention to models installed in places connected with Monaco’s yachting community. Model Maker Group says examples can be found in hotel lobbies, yacht clubs, brokers’ offices, restaurants, private events and other venues beyond Port Hercule’s formal show stands.

A Monaco search beyond the exhibition gates

The format sends participants into the wider city rather than keeping the activity inside the Monaco Yacht Show itself. Each model becomes a waypoint, encouraging visitors to notice the scale replicas that shipyards, designers, brokers and owners often use to present full-size yacht projects in a physical form.

Participants are asked to photograph each different Model Maker Group display they find while showing enough of the surroundings to establish the location. Where two or more models are grouped together, one photograph can count provided the individual models are clearly visible.

Instagram posts form the entry record

To enter, participants must publish their photographs to Instagram as posts or stories, tag the official @modelmakergroup account and include the hashtag #MMGchallenge. Model Maker Group states that tagging its account is essential because the social posts form the record used to identify valid entries.

The company also makes clear that the challenge does not grant special access to private or restricted areas. Participants must follow the rules of each hotel, club, office, restaurant or event space where a model is displayed, keeping the search within normal visitor-access arrangements.

The winner is based on the number of different models found

The prize will go to the participant who photographs the highest number of different Model Maker Group yacht models during the competition period. If two participants finish with the same total, the company says the earlier submission will take precedence when deciding the winner.

Manipulated or AI-generated photographs are excluded, as are images submitted from fake accounts or obtained by breaking a venue’s access rules. That condition keeps the competition centred on physically finding the displays around Monaco rather than manufacturing entries after the event.

The prize takes the winner inside the model-building process

The winner will be invited to spend a day at Model Maker Group’s headquarters in Itri, Italy, where the company designs and builds detailed yacht and superyacht scale models. The prize also includes one night of accommodation and meals, giving the winner an opportunity to see the production process rather than receiving a conventional merchandise award.

For the superyacht industry, the challenge is a small but unusual example of how specialist suppliers can use Monaco Yacht Show week to reach visitors beyond their own stand or meeting schedule. By placing finished scale models around the city, Model Maker Group is effectively turning its normal presentation work into a temporary public trail through Monaco’s yachting venues.