Your vessel departs LAT 32°45'N, LONG 79°50'W, and is bound for LAT 34°21'S, LONG 18°29'E. Determine the distance by Mercator sailing.

Correct Answer: Option B — 6,884 miles

Mercator sailing accounts for the convergence of meridians by using meridional parts. By calculating the total difference in latitude and the difference in meridional parts between the two hemispheres, the rhumb line distance is determined to be 6,884 miles, following the rigorous mathematical procedures defined in Bowditch.