505. A vessel at LAT 29° 38.0' N, LONG 93° 49.0' W, heads for a destination at LAT 24° 38.0' N, LONG 82° 55.2' W. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

The true course is 117 and the distance is 658 nautical miles. This is determined by calculating the longitude and meridional part differences to find the course, then using the latitude difference and course to calculate the distance, consistent with Mercator sailing principles.