The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word STERNS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
E
R
N
S
Buddy explains!
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 STERNS mean?
STERNS noun- The rear part or after end of a ship or vessel.
- The post of management or direction.
- The hinder part of anything.
- The tail of an animal; now used only of the tail of a dog.
- A bird, the black tern.