Most boats, but not all will push the stern to
the side opposite the main is backed.

If the boat had a tiller you would push it to starboard
as the boat is sailing backwards. Once the bow swings
down, sail off on a close haul or whatever point of sail you
choose on a port tack.


Ellen MacArthur wrote:
"Bart Senior" .@. wrote
| Your 35' sloop is bare headed--the one jib you have is
| at the sailmakers for repairs. You are sailing today with
| main alone.
|
| You are directly head to wind, in irons, stopped dead
| in the water.
|
| Which side do you back the main to sail off on a port
| tack?
|
| What else do you need to do?


Back the main to starboard. Then you wait till you have some sternway so the rudder will work.
Then you push the tiller to port and the stern will go to starboard and the bow will fall of to port.

Cheers,
Ellen