Yacht smashed by whale found near Raglan

A yacht smashed in a collision with a humpback whale earlier this month has been found.

Raglan Coastguard president Kevin Dreaver said the Loose Goose was spotted by a fishing boat last night.

The fishing boat towed it as far as Raglan bar at the entrance to the harbour - a trip of about 2-1/2 hours - before coastguard took over the salvage, a journey of another two hours.

"It's quite extensively damaged on the starboard side and the electronic equipment has been under water so it's no good but the rigging is still all right," Mr Dreaver said.

He said it was unlikely to be useable again unless a lot of money was spent on it.

The yacht's original owner Lindsay Wright was rescued by helicopter following the crash while sailing from Auckland to New Plymouth on January 9.

He spent five hours on his sinking 31-foot trimaran before being airlifted to safety.

Mr Dreaver said he understood an insurance company had already paid out Mr Wright.

The yacht is currently moored at Raglan Wharf. Mr Dreaver hoped it would be removed within the next two days.

- NZPA