In the last shot,, even with the clip blown up,, does not look to have the winch line connected ?? Its certainly their on the hill shots
On most challenge events, its compulsory to always use a winch sail, whenever winching,, but having snapped a few ropes,, have yet to see and damping effect on synthetic ropes,,only useful job a sail does is attracts attention to the line, if crossing a track for instance !! on steel ropes, sails do a good job,,