Sailing Backward

It can be done when the wind direction is roughly parallel to the slip but angled toward the slip edge.  It’s essentially “heaving to”. After a double shot of grog for all hands, you crank the boat into the wind, come dead in the water, point the rudder towards the slip, and have the sheet tenders back the jib and fiddle with the main.   The problem is in gaining steerage astern.  This can be tough with a long keel. The tactic works better with a fin keel boat that gains steerage more easily.   A crew of three is ideal although it can be done with two.  One on the main sheet (or grabbing the boom in light air), one on the jib sheet, one at the helm.  Keep in mind that this is a last ditch maneuver that will terrify your insurance broker.