The ice field lying in the path of the solo Vendée Globe sailors showed how dangerous it can be yesterday when Sebastien Josse hit a growler, one of the small, virtually submerged masses of ice which can be deadly to a lightly-built racing yacht. Josse, who was in fourth place, stopped VMI, lowered the mainsail and inspected the damage. He did not appear to be at risk and resumed a normal course and speed, though VMI's bowsprit and bow rail were damaged. The incident took place at 15.30 GMT, night time for Josse, who is now some 500 miles south-east of New Zealand. The race's astonishingly fast pace continues, and it is possible that the winner could finish in fewer than 90 days. - Tim Jeffery, the Daily Telegraph
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