It's been the most gut-wrenching week of Michael and Debbie Araujo's life.

They lost a friend - and they could have lost each other.

In the midst of their grief, they are trying to rehabilitate - one physically and both emotionally; the latter seems decidedly harder right now.

A week ago, the couple's world was shattered when Michael's C-Class catamaran went airborne and then smashed into the waters near Astwood Park, killing his copilot and expatriate employee Stuart Smith. Michael's right arm suffered multiple fractures and, following surgery, he was hospitalised for three days.

Yesterday, the Araujos returned to where it all began - Ferry Reach - to join others in the Bermuda Power Boat Association (BPBA) in paying tribute to the New Zealander whom they will never forget. It was a brave showing from a couple still clearly coming to terms with the devastating event.

“It's been a tough week. I go through highs and lows. I have a lot of unanswered questions which I think only time will maybe answer,” Mr. Araujo said.

“I know if Stu was here he would want to see these “I know if Stu was her he would want to see these guys carry on doing what they loved to do, as well as what he loved to do. I'm here to give some support to the guys,” said Michael who had been racing for eight years.

Keeping close to his wife and sons - Nicholas, five, and three-year-old Christopher - the crash survivor confessed the accident has made him treasure life and his loved ones more.

“Oh sure, it's like a second chance. One of the reasons I have stepped down from racing is that, when you lose a (racing) partner that way, it doesn't feel right getting back out there without him, knowing he is gone.”

Since being discharged from hospital, the co-owner of A & P Marine Limited where Smith worked has been in contact with the latter's relatives in New Zealand.

“They have sent their deepest sympathies and they have been super under the circumstances. My heart goes out to them,” he said.

Regarding his injury, Michael explained his right forearm was fractured in several places and that a plate was inserted to help it heal.

“We had a look at the x-rays and it looks good. From what I can see, they have done a great job. In a week's time they are going to take off this cast, remove the stitches and put on another cast for about a month. Then we'll take x-rays again and they'll reassess it at that point.”

The plate will have to remain in his arm for at least a year at which time doctors will determine if it has to be removed or if it can remain in place.

Debbie, who rushed to her husband's side after the crash, said she has “tried to keep the children's lives as normal as possible” while also trying to help Michael as much as possible.

“It's been very difficult and very sad and we're just trying to cope,” she said.

Luckily, she noted, she did not have to explain the intricacies of what happened last Sunday to her sons as friends looked after the boys while she was at the hospital.

“I didn't want them at the hospital, to be exposed to a lot of upset people so I wouldn't have to explain to them what happened. I took them back later to see their dad. They wanted to make sure he was okay,” she explained.

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