Video: The US Coast Guard
rescues two sailors from the yacht

A Kent woman injured in a round-the-world yacht race has arrived
back on land.

A US Coast Guard ship brought Dr Jane Hitchens, 50, and another
sailor, Nick Brbora, back to shore near San Francisco last
night.

Dr Hitchens, from Boughton, near Canterbury, is said to be
in good spirits.

She was among four crew members injured when their boat was hit
by a large wave in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday.

Jane Hitchens reaches
land after being rescued by the US Coast Guard

Dr Hitchens, a consultant in occupational health for East
Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, suffered four suspected broken ribs.

The mother-of-two works from the Kent and Canterbury
Hospital and Dover's Buckland Hospital.

She had taken a year's sabbatical from her job to prepare and
take part in the event, which largely involves amateur yachtsmen
and women.

Jane Hitchens (second
from right) after being rescued by the US Coast Guard

Friend and neighbour Jill Lebor said: "I heard there had been an
accident but when I found out Jane had been hurt it was quite
alarming.

"I am sure she is good hands and she will have her family with
her as they were already planning to meet her at the next stop. I
have been in regular contact with her via email and skype
throughout the trip and I know she wanted a challenge."

Dr Hitchens and Mr Brbora were transfered to the Coast
Guard ship by boat and were taken to hospital when they arrived in
America.

A US Coast Guard boat
rescues Dr Jane Hitchens

The two other injured crew members are expected to remain on the
boat until it arrives in San Francisco in the next day.

The yacht Geraldton Western Australia was damaged during the
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Race director Joff Bailey said: "The safety of all Clipper Race
crew is extremely important to us. Our skippers are highly
experienced and several crew members on board have medical
training.

"A deep depression hit the fleet, with winds gusting over 60
knots. First reports described the yacht being caught by a large
wave."

The race, which covers 40,000 miles and takes 11 months to
complete, started in the UK last August.

The yachts have already travelled to South America, South
Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Jane Hitchens (centre)
on board the Geraldton Western Australia before the yacht was
struck by a huge wave