Rescued boaties had no comms device

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The three people rescued from a crippled sailboat in the Hauraki Gulf overnight were all wearing lifejackets but had no form of communication.

Police said the three tourists - an 18-year-old woman from the United States, a 20-old Belgian man and a 29-year-old German man, took out a 17ft sailing cutter from Ostend on Waiheke Island about 5.30pm.

Sergeant Peter Knight from Waiheke police said all three had cellphones, but had left them in the car before going out on the boat.

They were reported missing about midnight by a friend who was concerned they hadn't returned and couldn't be reached by phone.

Mr Knight said the boat's mast had broken, and with no other means of propulsion, they were left drifting.

A search was begun by police launch Deodar, and Coastguard were preparing to launch a full search from 5am today.

The boat was found by a fisherman about 3.37am near Musick Point and Browns Island. The boat and three tourists were taken back to Waiheke by Deodar.

"They were very cold and wet but no medical treatment was required," Mr Knight said.

He said he understood the woman had some sailing knowledge, but the two men did not.