Here's a question for you

Does anybody happen to know what the topmost plank (wale, strake) of a boat was called, before it was called the gunwale? Before they had guns, I mean? In this instance it's a rowing-boat, and it's not crucial because I have a cheat, but now I've started wondering, I really would like to know...

Snacking while I work

Yummies on the desk, right now:

Gin. Tonic. Lemon. Ice.

Slices of chorizo.

Potato-and-green-bean salad with tomatoes & a lemon-and-oregano dressing.

Just sayin'.

Which historical lunatic am I?

Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.