A GOLD Coast boatie had to be rescued from his yacht in the waters off Hervey Bay Thursday morning.

Marine Rescue were contacted by police at 1.25am, saying a 34ft yacht with one person on board was in 'strife off Arch Cliffs'.

Marine Rescue volunteers got to the boat at 3.30am but, with the large swell, it was too dangerous for them to board the vessel or get a tow line on it.

They had to return to the boat harbour without helping the distressed boatie. At first light they went back out and were able to get a volunteer on board.

Skipper and commodore John Smith said it was a very dangerous situation in the 1.5 metre swell, as the wind was continuously pushing us onto the beach.

"Luckily we had a very good swimmer on board, who jumped in and swam to the yacht".

He was able to help the exhausted, very seasick boatie to pull the anchor up and connect the tow line.