Young 29er sailors Thomas Weeks and John Pink from Hampshire are in line for a top award.

They have earned a finals place in the MDL YJA 'Young Sailor of the Year' competition in the British Nautical Awards after an outstanding year.

Weeks, 16, from Gosport and Pink, 17, from Hill Head, both students at St Vincent College in Gosport, have raced together for four years and are members of the 29er National Youth Squad having posted wins in the 29er Nationals at Weymouth, the 29er Europeans at Medimblik, Holland and the Southern Regional Youth Champion-ships.

Also, at the National Schools Regatta at Plymouth, they won the Fast Handicap Class, as well as the MountHayes Trophy for sailing a Bosun.

The Young Sailor of the Year Award is designed to recognise endeavour and achievement by young sailors in any discipline of the sport.

Organised in co-operation with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), winners from 13 regions will be shortlisted to three nominees, from which the YJA members will then elect the overall winner. The short list will be announced on November 13.

Chris English, CEO of the British Nautical Awards said, "We have been amazed by the high standard and quality of the nominations this year.