Crossword Genius

As some boats flew, though not originally (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oared

'as some boats flew' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'not originally' is the wordplay.
'not' becomes 'o' (I've seen this in other clues).
'originally' becomes 'ared' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'o'+'ared'='OARED'

'though' is the link.

(Other definitions for oared that I've seen before include "Provided with motive power" , "Propelled like a rowing boat" , "Equipped with rowing blades" , "Rowed" , "Adore (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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