The technique of heaving-to is to tack without releasing the jib sheet. The jib will then fill backwards and push the bow downwind. The main is eased off so it is luffing completely. By putting the rudder hard over to windward, the rudder and backed jib will balance the boat. It becomes very stable and begins to slide sideways.
I was teaching a client on a Shannon 38' sailboat recently. We hove-to for lunch. We were able to enjoy lunch without having to steer the boat, however, we still kept a lookout for other vessels and objects in the water such as crab traps and logs.
This technique can be used anytime you need to take a break, making a repair, taking a fix, attending to an injury, or reefing the mainsail.
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