The 25 foot yacht broke away from its moorings near the Darwin Sailing Club and was left drifting.

It washed up on the beach near Fannie Bay, avoiding surrounding cliffs and rocks.

Sergeant Glenn McPhee from the Water Police Unit says it appears the yacht has suffered minor damage to its keel and rudder.

Police would like to thank the media in helping to find the owner of the yacht.

Sergeant McPhee says favourable tides over the next two days will help with the recovery of the stricken yacht.