Attack with something picked up in the shipyard, say (6)

'attack' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'something picked up in the shipyard say' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'say' could be 'as' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'as' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'sail' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for assail that I've seen before include "Criticize" , "Trouble" , "Maybe mug" , "Beset" , "Set upon" .)
If this is the answer I cannot explain how the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
