At 04:30 13 February 2011, wrote:

What is the "plus" of soft release as far as tow pilot is concerned?

The only thing I can imagine is that a soft release is less likely to put
a knot in the towrope. Mostly I've heard tow pilots say they'd rather
be able to feel the release. I try to avoid releasing at a moment when
the rope has extra tension in it, but generally release with a normal load
on the rope.

Jim Beckman