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Injured round-the-world yachtsman Yann Elies is in a serious but stable condition on board HMAS Arunta after the Australian frigate made a rescue trip from Fremantle.
The French sailor broke his left thighbone and possibly several ribs after his 18m vessel Generali was swamped by a huge wave, causing him to fall to the deck while changing sails 1200km southwest of Perth in the Vendee Globe round-the-world race.
The Arunta left Fremantle early on Friday morning and reached Mr Elies at 9.30pm on Saturday.
The Vendee Globe website said fellow solo yachtsman Marc Guillemot, who stayed close to Generali during Mr Elies' ordeal to offer moral support, praised the Arunta crew, who carried out the rescue in a heavy swell.
"Some highly professional work," Mr Guillemot said. "They prepared Yann for the transfer, still heavy swell, but they carried out the manoeuvre perfectly."
Mr Guillemot was overcome with emotion at the rescue of his friend. "It was like a dream - it didn't seem real," he said. "They took care of that magnificently."
Mr Elies is receiving medical care from the Royal Flying Doctor Service doctor on board and is resting comfortably.
The Generali's mainsail will be left up and the cabin door shut to allow the boat to drift.
A crew from Team Generali had left France bound for Perth to board a motor launch which will take them to the yacht. They will then sail it back to shore.
The Arunta's captain, Commander Stephen Bowater, said his crew had displayed exceptional professionalism during the two-day trip to reach the French sailor.
- AAP
