In planning a North Pacific voyage, you wish to steam the minimum distance from LAT 48°30'N, LONG 124°45'W to LAT 44°00'N, LONG 150°00'E, while remaining south of 51°N latitude. Which track meets these requirements? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5270)

Correct Answer: Option B — A great circle from departure to LAT 51°N, LONG 148°W, parallel sailing to LAT 51°N, LONG 171°W, then a great circle to arrival

Per Bowditch, when a vertex of a great circle track exceeds a latitude limit, the optimal track consists of a great circle from departure vertex-tangent to the limiting parallel, parallel sailing along the boundary, and a final great circle connecting to the arrival position.