Realex has won the 2012 Travel Industry Yacht Regatta in the closest run race since the competition began.
The online payment company, fought off stiff competition last week to win the trophy and a trip to the US’s Great Lakes in September.
Travel 2 was in second place, Vertical Systems in third and Travelzoo in fourth.
Crews could not believe their luck when the 3rd annual McKenzie Cup took place on one of the few fine days of the 2012 British summer with strong sunlight and brisk winds.
They set off from the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble all sailing identical yachts each with a headcount of eight crew including the skipper.
The winning crew celebrated with their competitors in the King and Queen sailing pub in Hamble-le-Rice.
Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, Avis , Great Lakes USA, Essex INN Chicago and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the winners will enjoy two sailing trips on famous Lake Michigan on board the historic tall ship, Friends Good Will, and a modern racing yacht.
The trip also includes a behind the scenes tour of ArtPrize, the internationally known arts event in downtown Grand Rapids.
Next year’s McKenzie Cup will be on September 6th.
