The Liverpool crew in a round-the-world boat race has had to retire after one of its members was injured.

Vicky Margerrison hurt her back after being thrown across the cabin during stormy conditions.

The Liverpool boat is one of eight vessels taking part in the 34,000-mile round-the-world Clipper Yacht Race.

They left Pier Head in Liverpool last Monday, after a 24-hour delay due to heavy rain and winds.

Medical treatment

Skipper Adam Kyffin decided to drop out of the first stage of the race, after Ms Margerrison was injured.

She will undergo medical treatment in Spain, where the yacht is due to dock on Sunday.

The race is currently being led by Jersey, with London in second place and New York third.

The race continues for 11 months, and will finish in Liverpool in September 2003.