Why does water sheeting work?

[G-996]

At the weekend after washing my car I rinsed it off using the "open hose" method for the first time. i.e. rather than "spraying" with a hose, I removed the hose attachment and let the water flow from the open hose over the car. I had heard this was much better for removing water from the car, but never bothered to try it before.

Miracle of miracles, the car was practically dry after doing this. Virtually all of the water fell off the car, much less left to dry off than when "spraying". I am a convert. Does anyone know the physical reason behind this witchcraft?

[trickywoo]

I'd imagine the open hose gives less opportunity for surface tension than a jet which is more likely to produce droplets.