We figured the truck speed as stall speed plus 10 or 15 minus the wind speed. At the Alvord we had to add five or 10 for density altitude. I don't think we ever went more than 75mph, usually 60-65 We never launched any ships with water. The slower you can go and still get the job done the better. It's really important for there to be good three way communication between pilot, driver, and winch operator. Having the cable pressure set so that in lift the glider just climbs faster and in sink it doesn't pay out at all takes out the wild fluctuations in airspeed we used to get with the solid wire auto tow. It's much safer and the cable rarely breaks. Only when you get a nick in it some how.

Boggs