Pointing higher on one tack

My Foxcub sailed better on the port tack than starboard. The backstay was very slightly off-centre to allow for the tiller. I thought it must be that.
I just sailed on port tack more to enjoy the slightly jollier noise of the wake.
 
As others have said this can be due to numerous different reasons:

1. Disymmetry in wave patterns, tide or vertical wind-gradient (can't do anything about these except learn to recognise them).

2. Disymettry in calibration of wind instrument or paddle-log (easily fixed, and you should not be mislead by them in the first place!).

3. Disymettry in rig alignment and tuning - not so easy to spot and you need to rule out the above reasons before you start fiddling around with the rig.

4. Hull disymettry - most production GRP hulls are removed from the mould before internal bulkheads and decks are fitted, giving rise to distortion. Often the keel is then bolted on without too much attention to alignment. If you want a symmetrical hull, insist on a boat that is built entirely (ie hull/bulwarks/decks) in the mould (eg Dehler, Amel
and some others).
 
My little 21fter has always sailed bettrer on port tack than stbd. This mostly found by racing against other boats. It has been so for 20 odd years through 3 masts and rigging and 3 sets of sails. As far as I can see the keel is straight. So I just put it down to unknowns
Ken McCulock's theory is interesting I presume I should expect the opposite effect being in southern hemisphere. But all my observations are from comparison with other boats on the same tack so perhaps that is not my factor. good luck olewill
 
How

did you know which tack she sailed on better?

If from instruments I'd suggest the variance was mor due to instrumentation than boat behaviour.

I used to point markedly higher on starboard than on port tack (according to instruments), until I changed the masthead wand - now she seems to point higher on port tack
 
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