Nikki Barnes and Agustina Barbu Represent VI at International 420 World Championship

Virgin Islanders Agustina Barbuto and Nikki Barnes compete in the International 420 Class World Championships in Argentina earlier this month.

Two Virgin Islands sailors hit the seas to represent the territory in the International 420 Class World Championships which wrapped up on Wednesday, January 5, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Fifteen-year-old Agustina Barbuto of St. John and 16-year-old Nikki Barnes of St. Thomas did the Virgin Islands proud, finishing in sixth place in the hotly-contested ladies championships.

The event marked the first time the International 420 Championships were hosted in South America and the entire fleet was surprised by the stiff winds which battered the sailors through 12 races. The championship drew 96 boats and 192 sailors from five continents.

A. Vose and M. Brickwood of Great Britain took the ladies’ championship while P. Volker and A. Cunill Martinez of Argentina won the overall championship. For the complete list of finishers check out www.420worlds2011.org.ar.