A tale of exceptionally tall seas from a couple who had to abandon their yacht sailing from New Zealand to Australia.

Irishman Nick Dwyer and Frenchwoman Barbara Heftman have arrived safely in Sydney after their rudder snapped.

They were first rescued by container ship after setting off an emergency beacon.

The couple said there were waves the size of buildings, and winds so strong they couldn't stand.

Their 12-metre yacht rolled in the heavy swell.

Officers on a New South Wales Police rescue boat travelled more than 200 nautical miles to reach them.

The pair were doing a decade-long trip round the globe - their yacht's been left at sea.

Mr Dwyer said it's been their home for the last 10 years and they're not sure what they'll do next.