Franck Cammas is one of France's most experienced sailors, eager to transfer his skills to the America's Cup scene.

French America's Cup skipper Franck Cammas has had his right foot "partially severed" after he was run over by the rudder of his foiling catamaran after falling overboard.

The accident happened as Team France began a training block in Quiberon Bay, Brittany.

They were using two GC32 catamarans with Cammas in charge of one.

According to French newspaper Le Télégramme, Cammas suffered an open fracture at the bottom of the right tibia, leaving the foot "partially severed", from the accident.

Cammas fell overboard and was run over by the rudder of the boat while it was foiling at speed, his team reports. His right leg was badly injured.

The newspaper said Cammas was quickly recovered by a support boat and taken to shore, where he was airlifted by helicopter to Nantes hospital.

He was facing surgery.

The 32-foot catamarans are a smaller version of the boats to be used for the America's Cup and can hit speeds close to 40 knots. It was understood to have been sailing in around 20 knots of wind when the accident happened.

The 42-year-old Cammas is one of France's most experienced sailors, well versed in multi-hull sailing. He recently sailed a foiling catamaran around Cape Horn.

He has been chosen to head France's return to the America's Cup scene.

Team France have New Zealander Adam Minoprio as a backup helmsman.