[labatt]

I've always heard that you can heave to with the main down and just a small bit of your jib out (if you have to), but a book we're reading - "Storm Tactics Handbook" by the Pardee's - talks about heaving to with just the main. I guess you sheet hard on the main and then basically stall the boat upwind. You lash the tiller or wheel to the point that it keeps your boat stalled. They don't recommend using this in heavy winds - just moderate. I'm thinking it puts you in a pretty precarious position. As soon as you get that gust that gives you enough forward motion, the boat will tack and you'll be doing a 360. Has anyone used this technique? Any comments?