Marine rescue authorities say a yacht that washed up on the New South Wales north coast overnight was abandoned 1000km north of New Zealand almost a year ago.

The 11-metre boat was spotted on the beach by residents at Wooli early this morning.

Its mast had been ripped off and barnacles covered the hull.

Marine Rescue New South Wales regional controller Steven Redding said the vessel had previously been spotted further out to sea.

"It was nearly run over by a cruise ship, so that's why it was actually noticed," he said.

"It's obviously just been floating round the Tasman and Coral Seas since then, and I'd say the weather has finally pushed it back in towards the coastline and it's ended up on the beach."

Mr Redding said the yacht had been sailing from Noumea to Bundaberg in May last year when it struck trouble.

"Apparently there was a cyclone in the area and the recommendation was given to the skipper that he really should abandon the vessel," Mr Redding said.

"It was a New Zealand naval vessel that was delivering supplies to one of the islands that came across it, and advised them that given there was another cyclone on its way, that really his best option would be to abandon the vessel."

Mr Redding said during a rescue operation, the emphasis was on saving people.

"We get reports every so often of vessels that have been abandoned, especially [near] New Zealand way out in the Tasman," he said.

"Then they'll end up on a beach somewhere in north Queensland or on the New South Wales coast.

"Given the currents, they can drift around that whole area there for years."