Grant Wharington and his Skandia Wild Thing team may be down but they are not out.

Following a generous offer from fellow Victorian yachtsman David Goetz of the use of his Volvo 60, they will be afloat once again and competing in the Scotchman's Hill series at Skandia Geelong Week as well as representing Brighton Yacht Club as part of their team.

'We have been overwhelmed with the offers of support since our 'little incident' and to be able to bring the team together and compete at Skandia Geelong Week (21-26 Jan) is just fantastic.

We have all been enjoying this regatta for many years, last year was just brilliant, and whilst we are all devastated about the current state of our super-maxi Skandia we are all looking forward to getting back on the water again,' said a typically buoyant Wharington.

The VO60, previously known as 'Howarth Merit' will be re-branded in Skandia colours and will be entered as Skandia for the regatta.

The Skandia team are no strangers to the VO60 set-up, with Barney Walker - a twice round the world Volvo veteran - and Wharington a djuice helmsman from the last race.

'It'll be fun to get back on a 60,' smiles Barney, 'particularly with no icebergs to worry about.'