Heaving-to Off The Wind

Heaving-to off the wind is a technique that is not often taught in sailing schools or written about in books, but it can be a very useful way to stop your boat in a strong wind. This technique is essentially the opposite of heaving-to upwind, and it has a few advantages over the traditional method. First, you don't have to bring the boat to the close hauled point of sail, hauling the sails in tight , which can be a lot of work in strong winds. Second, you don't have to  tack the boat, backwinding the jib. Third, not tacking maintains  the boat's course, so when you're ready to get underway, you don't have to tack again to get back on track.
Here are the steps on how to heave-to off the wind:

1. Sail off the wind until the boat is on a run.
2. Let the mainsheet out as far as the rig will allow.
3. As the boat approaches a run the jib will collapse on the foredeck. Pull the jib tight across the boat, opposite the mainsail, until it is tight in the close-hauled position.
4. Slowly turn the boat back up into the wind in the direction of the jib.
5. The boat will slow to a stop as it approaches a beam reach.

To maintain this position, tie the tiller off downwind or a wheel hard over upwind. Adjust the mainsail for the most comfortable angle to the waves.
To get the boat moving again, first haul the main in to the beam reach position. Bring the helm to the neutral position while bringing the jib across the bow set for a beam reach. The boat will smoothly pick up speed. Once underway, choose the point of sail that best suits your course.
Heaving-to off the wind is a simple technique that can be very effective in a strong wind. If you're ever in a situation where you need to stop your boat quickly, this is a good technique to know.