Determine the great circle distance and initial course from LAT 27°51.0'N, LONG 71°41.0'W to LAT 49°45.0'N, LONG 06°14.0'W.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option A — 3214 miles, 046.9°T
Great circle sailing utilizes spherical trigonometry to find the shortest distance between two positions. Using the haversine formula and initial course equations from Bowditch, the precise distance is 3214 miles with an initial true course of 046.9°.
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