If you can't sail fast because of traffic, beach etc. than heading up and tacking is definately a good alternative to a slow gybe. However, if it is just the strong conditions causing you to flip, beware - the bear-away in strong wind is way more dangerous than a fast gybe, and much more difficult to get right
Just got reminded of that this weekend - an hour and 2 races after flipping from the slow gybe in ~18knots, the wind had risen and was measured at 25 knots, gusting over 30. Did a gradual bear away at high speed at the top mark, easing mainsheet and traveller as we went...me aft on the trapeze, crew by the back beam ... all to no avail ...
We righted her easily, but she went straight over on the other side and turtled ... We decided to wait for the rescue boat before trying to right her, and ended up half an hour later with an upright boat and a shredded mainsail.
Main lesson remembered - don't let pride overcome judgement, head back in when it gets too hairy...