updated 11:38 a.m. ET April 1, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Coast Guard is sending rescuers to aid three sailors seriously injured in a storm during a race 400 miles off the California coast.

A spokesperson for the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race said Saturday that the nearly 70-foot Geraldton Western Australia hit a large wave, sweeping away its steering mounting and some communications equipment during powerful winds.

Three crew members suffered back, rib and pelvic injuries.

The Coast Guard says one of its cutters carrying rescuers and a helicopter has been diverted. The rescuers will parachute to the yacht, known by the Coast Guard as Clipper Venture 6.

An airplane already has dropped off medical supplies.

The yacht is proceeding under secondary steering toward San Francisco Bay.

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