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Step 1
Locate the direction of the wind. Knowing where the wind is allows you to depower the sails and let the drag of the water stop the boat. Look at your wind vane, flags on land or the blow of the wind across the water to identify the direction of the wind.
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Step 2
Turn into the wind. Let your sails out as you head up towards the wind. Easing the sails dumps power out of them and begins the slowing process. Nose the boat directly into the wind (the point of sail called "irons" or the "no-go zone") and let the drag of the water bring the boat to a stop.
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Step 3
Drop the headsail. In your docking and mooring lessons you may have learned to drop the headsail (usually a jib or genoa) as you approach a dock. Drop the headsail to immediately depower your sails so that there is even less potential for forward propulsion.
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Step 4
Backwind the mainsail. Backwinding the mainsail takes skill, timing and caution, especially if you're approaching the dock. Plan an approach that allows you to let the main out as you sail on a beam reach. Once you've slowed down significantly, turn towards the wind and hold the boom of the mainsail out so the sail backwinds.
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Step 5
Use a water anchor. In extreme situations, such as a storm or a boat that has gone out of control, you can use a water anchor to stop the boat. Secure the anchor's line to the stern of the boat and throw the anchor overboard. In emergency situations you can fashion a water anchor out of a bit of sail.
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Step 6
Drop anchor. It's a hard lesson to learn when you manage to stop a boat just when the boat, seemingly on its own accord, starts to sail again. To keep the boat stopped, drop an anchor with the appropriate amount of line or chain let out.
