Yachting: Injury hits Camper

Team New Zealand's Camper has announced a crew change ahead of leg seven in the Volvo Ocean Race. Photo / Hamish Hooper.

Team New Zealand's Camper has announced a crew change ahead of leg seven in the Volvo Ocean Race, with Bowman Mike Pammenter stepping down for the leg due to a prolapsed disc in his back.

Pammenter sustained the injury during the sixth leg from Itajai to Miami.

Reserve crew member Nick Burridge will move into the role for the transatlantic leg from Miami to Lisbon starting on May 20th.

Camper skipper Chris Nicholson said the decision to rest Pammenter for the leg was made after a full medical assessment.

"Our team physio Paul Wilson has carried out a full assessment of Mike, and as with any injury of this nature the biggest issue can be time, so we are keen to make sure he has the opportunity to rest and recover so that he can rejoin the team as soon as possible.

"While Mike is obviously disappointed to miss this leg it will be a great opportunity for Nick. As our reserve crew member, Nick has been with the sailing team since day one. While his day to day duties are within the rigging area on the shore side, he still joins us at every fitness session and for training on the water so he is very much a part of the team and we look forward to having him out there."