Australian authorities are stepping up the search for two sailors, missing off the Queensland-New South Wales coast.

Our reporter Matt Watson says the pair set sail from New Caledonia in the 42-foot yacht called the Blessed Be and were due to arrive in Newcastle earlier this week.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority says the men last made radio contact 12 days ago when they were near the Gold Coast.

Nine planes including an Australian defence force plane will search the waters from Cape Moreton to Newcastle while three helicopters will search the beaches for wreckage.

The Blessed Be was fitted out with all the required safety equipment including a distress beacon but there has been no activations.

All ships in waters off Queensland and New South Wales have been advised to keep a look out for the yacht.

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