Denis Marier wrote:
I am shopping for a replacement boat.
I see that some aft cabins have the berth running from starboard to port.
This means that if the cabin is used while sailing I may have my head on the
leeward side or windward side.

Only if you are constrained by a sense of extreme conformism to get into
the bunk "the *RIGHT* way." Normally, a person will climb into such a
bunk so that his head is up & feet are down... I've slept that way quite
a bit, it's very comfy.

... The more traditional berth is usually running from the bow to the
stern.

Yep. Traditionally supplies with lee cloths and/or webbing to hold you
in the thing when the boat is sailing hard.


... My observations may be wrong. I would appreciate some comments on
which one is preferred for a sailboat.


Whichever one you happen to prefer. Bunks are most commonly fore/aft but
some boats make best use of space with a bunk or two (usually aft) the
other way. Since most nights are spent either docked or anchored, it's
really an important point IMHO.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King