Two yachts remain grounded at Pilot Bay following strong spring winds that swept through Mount Maunganui.

SunLive readers reported two yachts had grounded in Waikorire, also known as Pilot Bay, in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday afternoon.

“One yacht is near the corner of Leinster Ave in Pilot Bay. The name on it is ‘Right On’.”

A second yacht ‘Orinoco’ was reported to also be beached, between Pacific Ave and Grace Ave near the public toilet block.

MetService recorded windspeeds of 35-43km/h westerlies gusting up to 80km/h between 2pm-4pm on Tuesday.

Windspeeds are estimated to be the same today, with strong westerlies in the region gusting to 61km/h at times.

The yacht 'Orinoco' has grounded in Pilot Bay. Photo / Claire Rogers

Deputy harbourmaster Daniel Rapson said the team were onsite yesterday afternoon to secure the boats and worked with the owners through the removal process.

It has been confirmed that both boats broke free from their permanent moorings at a time when the wind was gusting more than 50 knots.

“It is the responsibility of a boat owner to recover their boat and in both cases arrangements for the safe refloating of the vessels when the weather and tides allow,” he said.

“With the strong winds experienced so far this spring, boat owners are encouraged to regularly check that their boat is secure on its mooring.”