A vessel at LAT 32°05.0'N, LONG 81°06.0'W, heads for a destination at LAT 35°57.0'N, LONG 5°45.0'W. Determine the distance by Mercator sailing.

Correct Answer: Option D — 3770.6 miles

Mercator sailing calculates rhumb line distance using differences in latitude, longitude, and meridional parts. Utilizing the secant of the course angle derived from meridional differences gives the exact distance of 3770.6 miles as outlined in Bowditch navigational mathematics.