Yachts in difficulty during Coastal Classic race

Police continue to monitor the Coastal Classic yacht race from Auckland to Russell with 137 boats still to arrive, including one which reported difficulties during the night.

Police said 25 yachts finished the race, but a further 90 boats had pulled out of the race which was characterised in some parts by high winds and rain.

Although police have not heard from the yacht which was reportedly in difficulty after being demasted, the boat had made contact with another competitor to say everything was fine.

Sargent Mike Wilson from the New Zealand Police Northern Communications Centre said earlier that six call-outs were received during the night from vessels in distress during the race.

"Whangarei Coastguard and police were kept busy responding to the distress calls."

He said two yachts had lost their masts and had experienced engine problems.