Jackie Hunt was declared the winner of the Powerboat P1 Supersport class at the Grand Prix of Malta after heavy seas forced the cancellation of the second race here yesterday.

Hunt, partnered by husband Mike Shelton, began her defence of the title with a dominant victory in the event's first race.

She made light of six-metre waves that took a heavy toll on others. Three competitors were taken to hospital with back and rib injuries.

The organisers decided conditions were too dangerous to go ahead with another race and instead put on a demonstration time trial within the comfort zone of the Grand Harbour.

Hunt, 37, admitted: "I've got to say I'm not sorry we won't be racing again. The sea is even rougher and I think this is a sensible decision. We like rough conditions and our boat was perfect in the first race, so we could well have had another good result. But I'm not complaining. My back is killing me after the buffeting it took.''

Hunt had the confidence in her ability and her boat to attack the swell, although Shelton urged caution. "Mike was telling me to slow down and I did towards the end, but we were going so well,'' she said.

That cost her a place in the overall standings to Evolution Class boat Wettpunkt, much to the British driver Miles Jennings' relief.