I'd echo that the jib, main and traveller are only eased for the instant in which you make the bear away. This being in conditions where to have them 'uneased' would knock you over sideways as you go through the reach. In my case that means we are unlikely to even have the crew on the wire at all - just playing safe rather than going for pure speed, especially in a heavy chop.

No one has mentioned the opposite situation - heading up after the rapid downwind leg. I use the same solution. Weight back, dump everything and spin round to windward rapidly as the sails are dumped.

So in both cases the dumping is just to get you through the reaching position. And it all happens quickly!

Then again, sometimes the crew will go out, just to get wet (see attachment)