Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky and US Sailing announced nominations are now open for the 2013 Maritime Heroes Award. Now in its second year, the 2013 Maritime Heroes Award is seeking out men and women across the United States that have made outstanding contributions to the longevity and accessibility of sailing. Members of sailing communities across the county are encouraged to nominate someone they feel has gone above and beyond to educate, volunteer, advocate or simply encourage participation in sailing within their local community – or beyond.
“The 2012 award brought forth so many deserving people who are doing significant work within their communities,” said Pat Graney, President of International Beverage USA. “Our partnership with US Sailing has helped us to connect with this community of people and recognize those who give back to the maritime lifestyle.”
Nominations for the Old Pulteney Maritime Heroes Award will be accepted from June 3, 2013 to August 31, 2013 at www.maritimeheroes.com. Finalists will be selected by Old Pulteney and US Sailing representatives. A public vote will then be held on the website and the 2013 Maritime Hero will be announced and honored at a ceremony in February 2014 during US Sailing’s Sailing Leadership Forum in San Diego, California.
“The nominations for last year’s award showed that there are men and women from across the country striving to raise awareness for the sport of sailing and make it accessible for everyone,” said Amy Larkin, Marketing Director of US Sailing. “This year, we look forward to hearing even more stories of people making a difference in the sailing community.”
Donald Backe, winner of the 2012 award was chosen for his dedication to bringing the sport of sailing to the disabled through the creation of the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (C.R.A.B) organization. Donald passed away on April 12, 2013.
“This award is perfect for acknowledging people like Don, who don’t do what they do for the recognition, but to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Lyn Backe, wife of 2012 Maritime Heroes Award recipient Donald Backe. “Receiving this award meant so much to Don and I’m sure the 2013 recipient will be just as honored.”
About Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom. The distillery lies in the heart of “Pulteneytown,” which was one of the largest and most important herring fishing ports in Europe. Old Pulteney has a long standing association with the sea and is the official scotch of US Sailing. Its carefully crafted taste carries the windswept and rugged character of the North, the salty and fresh air of the North Sea, and the distillery’s rich maritime heritage runs through every drop of this fine malt.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.