Yacht race woman's mid-ocean rescue

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Sam Davies, 33, diverted to head towards French sailor Yann Elies who fractured his thigh bone when a large wave hit his yacht in the Vendee Globe race.

She was beaten to the Frenchman's side on Saturday morning by an Australian navy ship which was sent to help the stricken sailor.

The HMAS Arunta reached Mr Elies' yacht the Generali at around 9.40am and an inflatable boat was sent to the sailor's aid, race organisers said.

At around 10.50am Mr Elies was safely transferred from the Generali to the Arunta.

Marc Guillemot, another competitor who changed course to assist Mr Elies, told race organisers: "Some highly professional work.

"They prepared Yann for the transfer. Still heavy swell but they carried out manoeuvre perfectly. Yann is now aboard the frigate and doctor taking care of him."

Ms Davies said yacht racing was "an amazing sport" because of the way in which competitors supported each other.

"We all know that most of the time we are our nearest rescuers and although it's a race and we are all dying to win, at the end of the day the health and safety of the competitors, who are our good friends, is the most important thing," she told Sky News. I don't think anyone would hesitate to go and help someone who was having a problem."

The 30 yachts in the race started from Les Sables d'Olonne in France in November.