Stolen yacht reappears in Wellington

A 34-year-old man has been charged with theft after a $248,000 yacht stolen from the Marlborough Sounds was found in Wellington.

The 12.2m yacht, Noe Noe, was found moored at Evans Bay on Saturday.

Senior Constable Dave Houston said the yacht was reported stolen on July 14.

"Marine radio stations were advised so there were plenty of people keeping an eye out for it," he said.

Police had the yacht under observation, and a man seen rowing out to it had rowed back into the arms of the law. He appeared in the Wellington District Court yesterday and was remanded on bail until August 7.

Mr Houston said it was rare for yachts of that size to be stolen as they were easily recognisable, even when their nameplates or other features were changed slightly.