The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word LATEEN
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "sail" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sail = lateen.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LATEEN mean?
LATEEN noun- A triangular fore-and-aft sail set on a boom in such way that the tack is attached to the hull of the vessel and the free end of the boom lifts the sail.