questions from a new sailor

just got back from a short hour long sail. the winds were blowing at an avg. of 10 up to gust around 15 coming out of the east. water was pretty choppy. we sailed south out of ballard park and went to the other side almost to the 192 causeway and turned around. the waves were a little big for only having been out three times( second time for my crew). we came close to flying a hull a couple times but i steered out of the wind and back winded the jib sail ( i beleive) correct me if i am wrong. when trying to turn around in srong wind and waves what is the correct way to prevent capsizing? i was afaid to try and have a gust catch us and flip us. thanks for any advice