UPDATED 11.02am: The Air Force Orion sent to find a struggling Polish sailor has made contact with him, and confirmed he's OK.

The 64 year-old set off an emergency beacon 1600 kilometres east of the Chatham Islands.

He'd left Auckland on March 18th as part of a solo round-the-world voyage, and is on his way home.

The Rescue Coordination Centre says the Orion has flown over his 10.6 metre yacht and made contact with the man, who's reported a problem with his steering.

A cargo ship has now been diverted to rescue the sailor, and is it should arrive tomorrow morning at around 7am.

The man was on his way to Cape Horn.