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.

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Option A: 099&deg;T, 4617.5 miles. Mercator sailing utilizes the difference in meridional parts (DMP) and difference in longitude (DLo) to solve for course and distance. Using the formula tan(C) = DLo / DMP and distance = dLat / cos(C), the calculated values align with 099°T and 4617.5 miles, consistent with Bowditch Volume 1, Chapter 20.

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

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.