Yacht hits rocks in Bass Strait after race

A yacht which took part in the Melbourne to Hobart yacht race has hit rocks in Bass Strait, forcing its crew to abandon it.

The 34-foot Seduction was on a return voyage when it hit rocks near Gull Island, offshore from Cape Barren Island, early on Monday.

The crew made an emergency call about 5am when their yacht was taking on water.

A Tasmania Police vessel sighted the crew, floating in a life raft, about 6.30am.

"Shortly after, all five crew were rescued from Gull Island by the crew of the PV Protector 4, without incident or injury," Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Hopkins said in a statement.

"All involved were well prepared and organised."

Two search planes and the rescue helicopter were also enroute to the site, and they turned around when the crew was rescued.