What's the wood in cockpit for?

[Good Will Hunter]

I recently bought a 1986 Hunter 23. Along the front end of the cockpit seating, there is a strip of teak wood located right behind your knees when you are seated. What is the purpose of this strip of wood? Anyone?

 

[Stu Jackson]

To hold cockpit cushions, to keep them from sliding when heeled?

 

[jorg027]

Its mainly embellishment. I think it also creates some footholds for healing.