Police are searching for 56-year-old charter boat operator Richard Rusbatch after the yacht he is believed to have been travelling in was found abandoned off the coast of Tauranga.

The 38 foot single masted yacht 'Honfleur' was located unmanned about 20 kilometres east of Mayor Island this morning.

Richard, from Russell in the Bay of Islands, is thought to be the only person on board the yacht when it left Tauranga Bridge Marina for Paihia on Sunday, February 13.

Honfleur at Sulphur Point in Tauranga. Inset: Missing charter boat operator Richard Rusbatch.

The yacht was located by a member of the public today and an immediate water search was launched by the police and rescue co-ordination centre.

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair says a search of the yacht revealed there was no-one on board.

The boat was found with its motor running and the anchor dragging.

An aerial search involving the Coastguard and a vessel working on Rena has been undertaken, which has covered a 900 sqkm area between Motiti and Mayor Islands.

The boat was brought back to Sulphur Point Marina in Tauranga just after 4.30pm and is now subject to a police investigation.

Tauranga resident Fred Jeanes was working at Tauranga Bridge Marina and talked to Richard on Sunday as the skipper prepared to leave for Paihia.

He says Richard is a well-known identity in the Bay of Islands yachting fraternity.

'He is a very nice guy, and seemed very capable.”

Fred says the skipper commented that the sail from Paihia to Tauranga was one of the best trips ever, and the Russians had a good time.

He says the pair talked about the sea conditions around Mayor Island, with Fred advising that it was a 'a bit jobbly” out there.

The Honfleur sailed from the Bay of Islands with a group of four Russians, who had departed the yacht in Tauranga.

After staying overnight in the Bridge Marina, it is believed the skipper departed on Sunday intending to sail single handed to Paihia, possibly via Mayor Island.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.