Historic ship has the potential to succeed? (9)

I believe the answer is:

mayflower

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'historic ship' is the definition.
'mayflower' can be an answer for 'ship' (I have seen 'old ship' mean 'mayflower' so perhaps 'ship' could also mean 'mayflower'). I'm unsure of the 'historic' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mayflower that I've seen before include "traditional craft" , "emigrants' vessel?" , "Pilgrims Fathers' ship" , "Hawthorne mentioned" , "Hawthorn blossom, carrying the ..." .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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