Crossword Genius

In poor health, putting to sea without strength at first (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ailing

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'in poor health' is the definition.
(an ailing person is unwell)

'to sea without strength at first' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'at' could be 'in' (synonymous in some cases - eg at school, in school) and 'in' is found within the answer.
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'alg' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'putting' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ailing that I've seen before include "feeling sick" , "Sickly, poorly" , "Infertile" , "Troubled in mind or body" , "In poor health" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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