Having done the Tybee 500 and quite a few distance races I can say that I would not want to be tethered to the boat from a central point.
However the jury is still out on if I would tether to the mainsheet with a quick release. That doesn't sound like a bad idea.
All I know is when I come off the boat the first thing I want is a breath of air. If I have to hold my breath for 10 seconds that's could be the last 10 seconds that I live. It just takes one errant gulp of water to kill you.
For example try running a mile and then holding your breath for 10 seconds. It's pretty hard. Panic sets in and could kill you.
I've also fallen off my share of boats. Even in distance races I'd rather take my chances swimming to shore or being rescued possibly with my locator beacon.
On big boats I'm all for tethering myself in bad weather. That's to keep me on the boat though. Not for falling off and being drug.
I say leave it up to the sailors. They'll find what works for them and use it.
