If your going down wind and need to
anchor, there's a good chance further downwind is something you don't want to hit. For me, this isn't a time to mess around with techniques. If the
anchor doesn't set, you'll have to tack or jibe, with an
anchor rode trailing behind you. If it does set, your going to potentially jibe also as the boat swings into the wind. On a 26'er your weight is probably manageable so maybe no problem. Also, if the worst your going to hit is a sandbar, that may be ok also. For where I sail, failure of the maneuver has a great chance to cause great damage or loss of the boat.
I guess if I didn't have a motor this would be something to work at, but why screw around?