toward the back.

Nautical . so that the wind presses against the forward side of the sail or sails.

(of a sail) positioned so that the wind presses against the forward side.

(of a yard) positioned so that its sail is laid aback. ?

taken aback

surprised and disconcerted

I was taken aback by his harsh criticism.

adverb

confused , surprised , thrown off , thrown off guard , short , unawarely , behind , sudden , suddenly , unaware , unawares , unexpectedly