[Paddlewise] Short Towlines - what length? - what technique?

G'Day,

My regular towline is 15 metres and used for towing paddlers out at sea
where large, long period swell necessitates a safe distance between boats.

However, there are at least as many occasions when one needs to use a much
shorter tow. In harbours where a long tow poses a hazard to other boats, or
when rescuing people with severe balance problems who need the support of a
boat, or for getting people quickly away from rocks or out of surf where
there may not be much room for manoeuvre.

Question: Is there an optimum length and particular technique for short
towing or is it a question of adjusting a rope to suit the circumstances. At
present in addition to my 15 metre tow rope I have a 3 metre rope with loops
along its length so that its quick to adjust the length, but not sure if
this is necessary or the best solution.

Under some circumstances would one tow the rescuee with their bow near the
cockpit, on other occasions with their bow about 2 metres behind the
rescuers stern?

Advice and comment would be much appreciated?

All the best, PeterO
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