They are typically not fully releasing themselves from the kite. They pull a rip cord which blows one side of the kite lines and depowers the kite but they are still attached to the bar. Even when they do a full release from the control bar, it is the loop which releases from the control bar, but the hook still stays attached to their spreader bar, so not really applicable to beach cats. The problem in beach cat sailing is that you have a hook (more or less permanently) attached to your body which can snag the boat. Kite hooks are the same way. In fact, kite hooks are much worse because they are designed to NOT unhook.

The ball and socket systems are probably still the safest for cat sailing.

sm