A vessel at LAT 21°18.5'N, LONG 157°52.2'W, heads for a destination at LAT 8°53.0'N, LONG 79°31.0'W. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

Correct Answer: Option D — 099°T, 4617.5 miles

Computing course and distance across vast ocean expanses employs Mercator sailing mathematics from Bowditch, correctly accounting for the expanded scale at higher latitudes to yield 099°T and 4617.5 miles.