Presenting the trophy, Jackie Gebhard, Director of Gateshead based internet supplier and manufacturer to the dinghy sailing market, Trident UK, congratulated Christina on her win:

“This is the fifteenth year of the Trident Trophy for the RYA NE Young Sailor of the Year and we are very pleased to present the award to Christina for her work at Kielder Water Sailing Club. Christina follows in the footsteps of some fabulous young sailors from the north east of England who have gone on to win World Championships, become national coaches and renowned experts throughout the sport of sailing. The RYA North East Young Sailor of the Year Award rewards the most talented and dedicated young sailors in our region."  

Christina, who is a freestyle expert, is looking forward to the coming season, working and training with the newly formed Kielder Kestrels junior windsurfing team:

“This spring I will be learning how to be a race instructor and then a 'Start Windsurfing' instructor. After that I am looking forward to using my skills to help the Kielder Kestrels RYA Team15 club in their first full year. Everyone is really looking forward to a full season of windsurfing, racing and freestyle at Kielder and the other Team15 clubs around the region and anyone who wants to join us is welcome to come along to one of our monthly sessions”.

Christina's dad, Brian Coates, Chief Windsurf Instructor at Kielder Water Sailing Club said, “The Kielder Kestrels’ sessions take place on the fourth Saturday of every month and is followed by a race day on the Sunday, and although the Kestrels are only open to junior windsurfers of fifteen years and under, everyone from beginner to expert is welcome at Kielder. Contact details are available via the Kielder Water Sailing Club website at www.kielderwatersc.org”  

Steve Gibbon, Chairman of the RYA North East Region added his congratulations:

“Over fifteen years some outstanding young people have received this award and many are still involved with the sport and the related industries. All have proved to be high achievers, not just in their sporting discipline but in other aspects of their lives. I am delighted for Christina Coates with her award as North East Region Young Sailor of the Year. I am also pleased that a windsurfer has won the award – the first in the region. She is a credit to her club and joins a group of people who are a credit and example to their peers.”  

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Trident UK for their long and continued support of the award with the Trident Trophy – awarded annually to winners of the Regional competition.”