I don't think it's specific to sailing. If you're towing a car, would you let the driver of that car get in your back seat? Someone needs to be in control of t

I don't think it's specific to sailing. If you're towing a car, would you let the driver of that car get in your back seat? Someone needs to be in control of the vehicle being towed, in case you need to break (if possible), change course (if possible), disconnect the tow (if possible), etc.