Though Government will not be rushing to get involved, it will be keeping a close eye on investigations into Sunday's three boat crashes during the Around the Island Power Boat Race, including the fatal one that claimed New Zealander Stuart Smith's life.

Minister of Sports Randy Horton said yesterday "the only way Government will get involved is if something is found to be untoward" at the conclusion of the investigation.

"We'll be interested in the findings. We certainly want to know what the circumstances of this crash were," he told The Royal Gazette, adding that the matter would be left to the Police, the Bermuda Power Boat Association (BPBA) and other relevant authorities.

Expressing confidence in the BPBA to run its sport properly and with the required adherence to safety, Horton said he was certain any issues arising from the investigation "that will further safeguard the health and safety of participants" would be handled appropriately.

"Some sports are more dangerous than others and therefore carry a higher risk. Motor sports are included in this group. Participants, however, accept this risk and endeavour to prepare themselves to optimum levels ... Sometimes, unfortunately the most skilled and experienced athletes encounter situations that end up in tragic circumstances," noted the minister.

Horton assured that plans are still ongoing to develop a purpose-built motor-sports facility at Southside but this, he explained is "still in the early stages".

He disclosed that his ministry will meet with officials of the Bermuda United Motorsports Federation (BUMF) - the motoring fraternity's umbrella organisation - to update its members on the development plans.

Commodore of the BPBA Chris Roque thanked Government for its vote of confidence in the association at this particularly difficult time.

"We appreciate their support," he said, adding that the BPBA will cooperate fully in the investigation into why three boats suffered accidents in the annual race.

Giving an update on those injured in the crashes, Roque said both David Durham Jr - who was competing with his cousin Stuart Durham Jr in the B Class - and Joseph Vieira were allowed to go home on Sunday night after being checked out at the hospital.

As for Michael Araujo, who piloted the ill-fated C-7 catamaran which Smith was navigating, and Michael Lopes - the pilot of Vieira's boat - the BPBA head reported they were "doing well" when he visited yesterday.

"I think Michael Lopes might be out this afternoon (yesterday) or tomorrow (today). Michael Araujo had an operation to put a pin in his arm and he is probably going to be out on Wednesday," said Roque.

As for how Araujo was faring emotionally, he replied: "He is in good spirits - as far as can be."

Roque confirmed the BPBA's next race day, scheduled for this weekend, is "still on". Any further announcements will be made after tomorrow night's executive meeting.

Another BPBA source, who requested to remain anonymous, described many association members as being "really shook up".

"This is the first time anything like this has ever happened out in the ocean.

"Our safety record is impressive and we're a real tight family so it's not going down too well," said the avid boat racer.

The source noted that, having repeatedly reviewed tapes of the fatal crash, he is convinced, that as far as safety measures go, "there's nothing more we could have done".

Meanwhile, Smith's boss and Araujo's business partner in A & P Marine Limited, Ken Parker, bore the awful task of liasing with the dead man's parents and sister in New Zealand and providing accident details.

"Because it's (the news of Smith's death) not even a day old for them, they needed time to make some decisions. They were just waking up. They are going to call me back," he said.

Understandably, their mood was "very sombre".

On a related note, Parker said a memorial service is planned for Smith who moved to Bermuda more than two years ago. The date and place are yet to be determined.