SOLENT rescue crews have been called in to action five times today as yachts battle through brisk winds in the Round the Island Race.

The RNLI lifeboats of Lymington, Yarmouth and Cowes were scrambled to the western Solent throughout the morning as the annual extravaganza, this year featuring 1,600 boats, was hit by south-westerly gusts.

In the first emergency, they had to tow the 20ft vessel, Itch, complete with seven crew, back to Cowes after it lost its mast off Egypt Point.

The yacht Pelican reported a similar dismasting at Thorness Bay. It was able to motor to safety after Lifeboat crew helped remove rigging from the water.

A further alert was reported after a yachtsman on First Love, complained of chest pains. Lifeboat crew member Chris Adams climbed aboard to administer First Aid before the patient was transferred to Lymington lifeboat and then air-lifted to Southampton by the coastguard helicopter.

Moments later they were called to Hurst Point amid reports the crew of the catamaran Aquae Sulis were in the water after the vessel capsized. All of the crew were pulled to safety.

In the final incident, a woman onboard the yacht Firefly received a head injury after the boat struck an old submerged wreck off The Needles.

She was transferred to Yarmouth lifeboat and taken to shore for treatment.