The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word INSHORE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
I
N
S
H
O
R
E
More clues leading to the result INSHORE
- I name support from near the coast
- Iron he’s blasted not far from sand?
- Protect from loss of hearing when coming in to land
- Heron is flying away from the water
- Used heroin to ensnare state leader – but not in deep water
- Not far out in marine navigation
- A sailor can’t be far out with such navigation
- Heron is flying close to the coast
- Son and heir swimming around near the beach?
- Briefly leave bar, beginning to edge towards the beach
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "not far from sand" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case not far from sand = inshore.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 INSHORE mean?
INSHORE adjective- Close to (especially in sight of) a shore.
- (of a wind) Blowing from the sea to the land.
- Near the shore.
- Towards the shore.