A vessel at LAT 29°38.0'N, LONG 93°49.0'W, heads for a destination at LAT 24°38.0'N, LONG 82°55.2'W. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

Correct Answer: Option B — 117°T, 658 miles

Mercator sailing calculates true course and distance using differences in latitude, longitude, and meridional parts. Applying standard formulas from Bowditch, the computed meridional difference yields a true course of 117°T and a rhumb line distance of 658 nautical miles.