Strong Voices

Eighteen-year-old Xervier Doney made waves – literally and figuratively – when he won two world titles at the 2025 Para Sailing International Championships in Sydney in February of this year.

Xervier is believed to be the first New Zealander with Down syndrome to win at this level of international sailing – and he only started racing solo six months before the championships.

Xervier, a Year 13 student at Wā Ora Montessori High School, has been sailing since he was five years old. He began with Sailability in Sydney, where he was born, and continued with Sailability Wellington after moving to New Zealand. His love for sailing is clear: “I love the speed, the freedom – it’s just so much fun!” says Xervier.

Xervier won the Hansa 303 one-person event. The Hansa 303 boat gets its name from the fact it is around 3.03 metres long. Designed for accessibility, the boat’s low profile and weighted keel make it stable and easy to handle. Hansa 303s are used by people with a wide range of abilities, including older sailors, amputees and even quadriplegics.

After his first win solo, Xervier then teamed up with his dad, Paul, to win the two-person event. Paul wasn’t a sailor by background and only got involved in it through Xervier. Now though, Paul is Xervier’s crew – and as Xervier proudly says, “Dad does what he’s told!”

Earlier this year, the father–son duo also won the Ability Cup at the New Zealand Hansa Nationals in Titahi Bay. In that race, only the sailor with the disability is allowed to steer. It was a big moment and one that helped prepare them for the world stage.

Training for the world championships isn’t always smooth sailing given Wellington’s often wild weather, so when it was too rough to get on the water, Xervier focused on learning tactics and race rules. “It was a steep learning curve,” says Paul. “Xervier had only done one solo race before Nationals. But he trained hard every week with Sailability and his coach Don (Manning).”

For Xervier, sailing isn’t just about racing. It’s also about community. At Sailability, sailors and volunteers work together to prepare the boats, launch them and pack them away. There are barbecues, friendships and a strong sense of belonging. “It’s a great community to be part of,” says Paul.

Outside of sailing, Xervier is just as busy. He loves drama, art and painting. He’s entered the IHC Art Awards and the Capture the Moment photography competition. He’s also recently taken part in the documentary series Licence to Drive streaming on Sky Go.

Now Xervier is aiming for the 2026 World Championships in Spain, where para sailing will be fully integrated into the main event. There will be a special category for sailors with intellectual disabilities and Xervier is already looking forward to it.

For now, though, he’s enjoying the moment – and so are his proud parents.

Xervier hopes more young people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities will give sailing a try. “At our club, we’re encouraging more people to sail solo. Xervier is showing it’s possible,” Paul says.

And for Xervier, it’s simple: “Just go for it,” he says.

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(Xervier was recently named disabled sports person of the year at the 2025 Wellington Regional Sports Awards. Congratulations Xervier! Ed.)

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Image caption: Xervier Doney at the 2025 Para Sailing International Championships in Sydney.