Question 1089Navigation General

The correct answer is C) 63 miles. To determine the maximum closest point of approach (CPA), we need to calculate the relative motion between the vessel and the hurricane. Given the course and speed of the vessel (050°T, 12 knots) and the hurricane (265°T, 22 knots), we can use vector analysis to find the minimum distance between the two. The maximum CPA will occur when the vessel's course and the hurricane's course are perpendicular, which is when the vessel is 63 miles from the hurricane's eye. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the relative motion and geometry of the situation. Option A (69 miles) and Option D (76 miles) are too far, and Option B (56 miles) is too close to the hurricane's eye.