You are underway on course 050°T and your maximum speed is 11 knots. The eye of a hurricane bears 070°T, 80 miles from your position. The hurricane is moving towards 270°T at 19 knots. If you maneuver at 11 knots to avoid the hurricane, what could be the maximum CPA?
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option A — 66 miles
Applying vector triangle mechanics from Bowditch, maneuvering at the vessel's maximum speed of 11 knots against a storm tracking towards 270°T at 19 knots yields a maximum achievable Closest Point of Approach (CPA) of 66 miles.
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