Shelley and her throttleman Patrick Huybreghts both required hospital treatment following an 83mph crash during last Friday's practice in Sardinia for Rounds 5 & 6 of the UIM World Powerboat Grand Prix.

The impact was so severe that Shelley’s helmet shattered and she suffered facial injuries, including a broken nose. Despite this she managed to call for help and then, with the help of the following Italian crew managed to get Patrick back into the boat, which was now taking on water.

Both crewmembers were then assisted by the SNAV OSG team and the safety crews and rushed to hospital. Despite a broken nose, two very black eyes and other facial injuries Shelley was released from hospital the following day. However Patrick, who suffered a dislocated shoulder and head and rib injuries remained in hospital for further treatment.

This was the second accident in a month for Shelley who suffered a terrifying spin-out during the previous race round in Malta.

On her web site [www.shelleyjory.com] Shelley reflected on the incident, “The conditions were good, there were lazy rolling swells and we came off the crest of the wave as I have done many times before. We both had full control and it felt fine. But, as the bow landed it destroyed on impact, causing the boat to stop violently. We were thrown forward into the console.

I could feel the water around my calves and realised Patrick was only semi conscious. I radioed for urgent assistance and the SNAV OSG team were with us immediately. I’d like to offer huge thanks to them and the safety crews and medics all for their help and support.

This incident, coming so soon after Malta, has made me reflect on my life as a powerboat racer and the dangers involved. As many top water sports men and women know the sea is just so unpredictable. Although I take every precaution and train as hard as I can for each race nothing can prepare you for the feeling when you face real danger and life threatening conditions. This incident has made me really appreciate my life, my family and perhaps the world outside powerboating. It may be a long time before I get back into a competitive powerboat. I have known what it is to win a British championship and perhaps that’s enough… ”

Victoria Campbell the MD of Shelly’s sponsors, Rotary Watches, said, "We are very relieved to hear that Shelley is recovering after this very traumatic incident. The pictures reinforce the true severity of the accident and we are thankful that Shelley and Patrick are both feeling increasingly better as the days go on. We completely support Shelley with whatever choices she may make with respect to her future as a competitive powerboat pilot."

See the footage of the crash and rescue on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijxx-vkewg&feature=player_embedded