A SAILING enthusiast who had to quit his hobby to care for his wife has been nominated by his peers for a prestigious award.

Don Dow, from Earley, has reached the final stage of the Old Pulteney Maritime Heroes awards.

His sailing peers recommended Mr Dow to thank him for his contribution and hard work with the Reading Sailing Club.

The annual awards competition, now in its fourth year, was started by the Whisky firm to reward "outstanding passion, commitment and achievements" within Britain's maritime communities.

To Launch this year's scheme, Old Pulteney reached out to sailing clubs across the country, and asked them to nominate members who deserved recognition for their club service, bravery or sailing achievement.

Mr Dow, who served as the Reading Sailing Club's club bosun for two years, was nominated by his peers for his sterling service to the group.

His role as club bosun consisted of ensuring all the maintenance around the club was in order.

He also enjoyed overseeing the running of the clubhouse at the Sonning Marina, and spent much of his time teaching other sailors his outstanding skills.

But the 68-year-old had to step down from his position this year, so he had more time to care for his poorly wife.

To reward his enthusiasm and dedication to the club, Mr Dow has already been presented with a Maritime Heroes Award certificate, accompanied by one of Old Pulteney's finest bottles of single malt whisky.

Mr Dow is one of 30 national finalists of the competition, but he will have to wait until December for the final results.

Should he win the competition, he will land himself a £2000 prize fund and a bottle of 21-year-old single malt.

Margaret Mary Clarke, senior brand manager, said: "Old Pulteney is delighted to name Don Dow as one of our thirty finalists and we wish him the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.

"The awards scheme is a great way for Old Pulteney to celebrate the many hidden heroes across Britain’s maritime communities and we are looking forward to crowning our series of winners over the coming months.”