Search for missing NSW yachtie suspended

The search for a man who went missing after being thrown from a yacht in rough seas off the NSW mid-north coast has been suspended.

Rescue helicopters searching for the sailor were forced to turn back on Wednesday night amid poor weather and heavy seas.

The man aged in his 60s was wiped off a vessel after being struck by a huge wave near Broughton Island on Wednesday afternoon.

The yacht's remaining crew were ordered to make their way back to Port Stephens once the helicopters arrived.

A second yacht is being towed by police boat to Port Stephens, while rescue resources have also been deployed to a third yacht just off Broughton Island.

Rescue crews are expected to decide on resuming the search for the missing yachtsman in the morning.