Victorian Search and Rescue Water Police officers are coordinating

an air, land and sea search for a yacht missing off Victoria’s east coast.

The alarm was raised when the missing yachtsman’s family contacted NSW police concerned for their relative’s welfare on Friday 20 March.

It’s believed the experienced yachtsman, who was sailing solo in his 35ft monohull vessel named ‘Affirmation’, planned to sail from Queenscliff in Victoria to Sydney.

The 66-year-old Parramatta man’s last known stop was overnight on Wednesday 18 March in Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory.

Police are of the belief the man departed Refuge Cove at first light on Thursday morning before sailing east past Lakes Entrance.

The search has concentrated around Cape Conran and extended from Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota at this stage.

Police hold concerns for the man’s welfare and fear he may have suffered from a medical incident or mishap on the yacht after not seeming like himself during his last known contact with family.

Water Police are being assisted by the police Air Wing, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) with provision of a jet aircraft for searching the coastline to sea, water police officers from Gippsland and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

Victoria Police became aware of the concerns for the missing man Friday evening.

The search continued throughout Friday night and will ramp-up again at first light Saturday.

Anyone who sees the yacht is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or with information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www.crimestoppers.com.au.