Your voyage commences off Cape May, NJ, at LAT 38°40'N, LONG 74°00'W, for LAT 44°00'N, LONG 10°00'W. Sea ice is north of 45°N and west of 45°W. Extensive naval exercises will be conducted within a 150-mile radius of LAT 50°00'N, LONG 35°00'W. Which statement about a direct great circle route is TRUE? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5274.)

Correct Answer: Option A — You must plot a composite sailing to remain south of the ice limits.

Unconstrained great circle tracks between North American and European ports often push past high northern latitudes. When sea ice limits or hazards intrude upon these high latitudes, Bowditch requires plotting a composite sailing to bound the maximum latitude.