The Frenchman whose yacht was badly damaged in a collision with a mystery object in the Tasman Sea, has spoken of his ordeal.

Thomas Ruyant's 18 metre boat was racing in the Vendee Globe round the world race when it hit something on Sunday.

The object split open the hull, towards the bow, forcing Mr Ruyant to abandon his race attempt about 260 nautical miles off the South Island.

He was brought to shore in Bluff with the help of a Coastguard vessel early this morning, and says he is "extremely sad" he couldn't finish the race.

"I would like to finish the race, but with a broken boat it is not possible," he said.

The damage is severe and Mr Ruyant is unsure if his boat will able to be repaired.

"It's cracked into half, practically."

He said the boat is so damaged that he's surprised he was able to make it to Bluff.

After safely arriving back on land, Mr Ruyant was looking forward to basic luxuries.

"I need a shower, I need a sleep, I need to eat [and] I need to talk with my family."

He thanked his rescuers for their help.

"The last three days [have been] quite hard for me.

Despite it all, he hopes to be able to get out and race again soon.

"I love the sea, I love the boats, I love my activity...I love the travel, I love the competition [and] I love the boat."