You are planning a voyage from LAT 48°30'N, LONG 125°00'W to Korea via LAT 48°30'N, LONG 153°00'E. Which of the following track lines would you select for the safest and most direct route? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5270)

Correct Answer: Option D — Great circle to LAT 51°00'N, LONG 178°00'W, parallel sailing for 80 miles, then great circle to the via point

High-latitude great circle tracks intersect extreme high latitudes, risking ice and restricted navigation. Per Bowditch and gnomonic chart planning (WOXZC 5270), composite great circle sailing utilizing a limiting parallel is the safest, most direct practical track.