Rothbury puts up $5k for determined Coral

Coral Headey will be using her $5000 Rothbury Tauranga AMP Regional Scholarship towards paying for her trip to Poland for the Open Youth World Windsurfing Championships in July. Photo / John Borren

Coral Headey was crushed when her windsurfing gear was stolen from a petrol station only days before she was due to compete overseas.

But a new sail is on now on Coral's wishlist after being given a $5000 scholarship towards her windsurfing career.

The 16-year-old was the regional recipient of the Rothbury Tauranga AMP Regional Scholarship. She was selected from more than 50 other applicants across Bay of Plenty to receive the scholarship.

Coral's windsurfing career has not been an easy one. In August, her mother's car was stolen from BP Summit with all her gear inside, only days before she was due to compete in the Youth Olympics in China.

Thanks to the help of a donation of $3000 from BP Summit's owner Shayne Eaton and BP New Zealand and some borrowed gear, Coral was able to attend the Youth Olympics and placed 16th overall.

Last week, Coral attended a prize giving ceremony at Rothbury Insurance Brokers Tauranga where she was awarded the money.

"It's going to be a massive help, a much bigger step towards doing what I need to do to get to where I want."

The $5000 will be used towards a trip to Poland in July next year for the Open Youth World Windsurfing Championships.

She has applied for other scholarships to assist with funding but has yet to hear if she has been successful.

"I'm still trying to get the money to go to that as well," Coral said.

"The $5000 will probably pay for half the trip but I'm still in need of a new sail."

Her current sail has had a hard life and is covered in tape.

"Panels can be repaired, but this weakens the sail and can cause the panels to pull away at the seam.

As well as the sail, Coral and her mother Christine have to find the money to pay for upcoming regattas in preparation for the International Sailing Federation qualifying regatta at the end of next year.

"That's a big deal. That's basically the yes or no to windsurfing as a career.

"If I don't win that regatta and beat my main competitor, it's unlikely I'll be able to carry on. Just by qualifying, you get coaching beforehand and get a lot of experience before the regatta.

"You've got to pay the money to get there, but once you get there, Yachting New Zealand takes you the rest of the way."