Cordage used when sails are furled (5)

I believe the answer is:

sisal

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'cordage' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'when sails are furled' is the wordplay.
'sails' anagrams to 'SISAL'.
But, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'used' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sisal that I've seen before include "Ropemaker" , "Fibre used in rope-making" , "Agave yielding fibre" , "Agave cultivated for its fibre" , "constituent of rope" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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