Trans-Tasman yachtie still missing

Australian search authorities have asked vessels in the Tasman Sea to keep an eye out for missing Auckland yachtie Brettan Holland.

Holland was taking part in the Trans-Tasman Solo Yacht Race from New Plymouth to Mooloolaba, on the Queensland coast, but had not made contact with organisers since Saturday night.

New Zealand race committee spokesman Alan McGregor said Holland could still arrive some time today.

Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Helen Mojel said a maritime message had been sent to ships in the area of their jurisdiction yesterday, alerting them to Holland's plight. Australian authorities had followed suit today.

Until Holland was sighted, or made contact with a precise position, it could not be determined whether Australian or New Zealand authorities would be responsible for his rescue.

"It's been six days since the last contact (from Holland), that's a huge stretch of ocean he could be in," Ms Mojel said.

It was still possible Holland could arrive in Mooloolaba, having sailed with an inoperable radio, she added.

He had had trouble with the ham-type radio before, Mr McGregor said. It was not as water resistant as a marine radio and had been repaired recently.

Holland's yacht Skiddy Too left New Plymouth 18 hours after the two other entrants in the race set sail, he said.

"We are concerned, but not overly concerned."

Wildchild, the winning yacht, crossed the finish line at 4.42am NZT yesterday, 12 minutes ahead of Solo Globe Challenger.

The race had been "quite rough" at the start, he said. But conditions had improved greatly in the final stages.

Holland had not activated any of his three emergency locater beacons, which was encouraging, Mr McGregor said.

- NZPA